Billy Williams - I Keep On Toddling Along

Billy Williams, an Australian music hall star who found fame in Britain, sings "I Keep On Toddling Along", with Orchestral accompaniment

Recorded London, c. March 1912

X 526 I Keep On Toddling Along Regal G-6007

The lyrics sound innocent enough but there is something of an underlying political message here, laid out in the first verse. Just in case anyone is wondering, LG is a reference to Lloyd George, Prime Minister at the time.

Billy Williams died aged 37 in 1915 of what was euphemistically referred to as "previous social excesses." In his short life he recorded hundreds of music hall songs on both records (discs) and cylinders.

[jackpaynefan]

When I first started collecting 78s his records were ubiquitous. I lost count of how many copies of "When father papered the parlour" I found. Having advised that, it's been quite some time since I've seen one and never heard him so clearly. Incidentally, Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister at this time. As Williams died in 1915, he didn't live to see L.G. become P.M.

[tiga]

Great condition & I like the references to history. That 3 pence per week would likely be National Insurance, which was not always that popular, even if it was the beginnings of a welfare state. Definitely has the feel of an acoustic record, there's a bit of reverb in the closing patter. Some old photos of recording studios show tape wrapped around the horn, presumably to prevent this.

[james-flynn]

This record is in excellent condition I heard all of his songs were written by Fred Godfrey if memory serves correct

[janettewalker]

"Social excesses" unfortunately mar the career and/or life of so many musicians as in this case and, of course, Bix. Fine listening.