Al Reeves made this Columbia cylinder in 1892.<br /><br />He sings a parody of a sentimental song titled "Picture That Is Turned Toward The Wall." <br /><br />He changed the lyrics, so instead of a sentimental ballad, we hear a comic song about the boxer John L. Sullivan, who was America’s best-known sports celebrity in the 1890s and among the nation’s most famous citizens.<br /><br />John L. Sullivan embodied Gilded Age fascination with rich living and gaudy displays of wealth.<br /><br />These are some words that I can make out: <br /><br />"A few words I will mention of a man great, known to fame...For 12 long years a champion...he never met defeat....but time makes many changes in every man's career, yet aspirations for him were ignored, for hero John L. Sullivan, whose name will always live, the greatest fighter that this world has ever known...Poor John fell broken-hearted...when the purse from him departed, but we'll never turn his picture towards the wall."<br /><br />Al Reeves billed himself as "The World’s Greatest Banjoist and Comedian." <br /><br />Reeves had a whistling style (not heard here) that influenced Al Jolson. <br /><br />Reeves had a catchphrase: "Give me credit, boys."<br /><br />A young Al Jolson worked for Reeves' company of entertainers after the youngster fell under the spell of Reeves as an entertainer. Jolson was born Asa Yoelson--even the name "Al" may show the influence of Reeves.<br /><br />_______________________<br /><br />Now for info about the original song:<br /><br />The song "Picture That Is Turned Toward The Wall" was written by Charles Graham<br /><br />Far away beyond the glamor<br />Of the city and its strife<br />There's a quiet little homestead by the sea<br />Where a tender, loving lassie<br />Used to live a happy life<br />Contented in her home as she could be<br />Not a shadow ever seemed to cloud<br />The sunshine of her youth<br />And they tho't no sorrow could her life befall<br />But she left them all one evening<br />And their sad hearts knew the truth<br />When her father turned her picture to the wall<br /><br />There's a name that's never spoken<br />And a mother's heart half broken<br />There is just another missing<br />From the old home, that is all<br />There is still a mem'ry living<br />There's a father unforgiving<br />And a picture that is turned toward the wall<br /><br />They have laid away each token<br />Of the one who ne'er returns<br />Ev'ry trinket, ev'ry ribbon that she wore<br />Tho' it seems so long ago now<br />Yet the lamp of hope still burns<br />And her mother prays<br />To see her child once more<br />Tho' no tidings ever reach them<br />What her life or lot may be<br />Tho' they sometimes think<br />She's gone beyond recall<br />There's a tender recollection<br />Of a face they never see<br />In the picture that is turned toward the wall
