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lowing it (at the earnest solicitation of the trade) with another entitled, "Always in the Way," the sales of which, I think, will equal tin* enormous figures attained by "After the Hall " I then gave to the now expectant public "For Sale, A Baby," another enormous hit. The idea, for this song was suggested to me by a story in the daily papers, detailing t'he agony of an unfortunate woman who ottered her child for sale because .she was- unable to care for it So great has the demand become for my works that 50,000 copies were bespoken for another child song, "Why Don't They Play With Me
ft is the composers who originate who win fame. Many song-writers think they can score by copying another idea that is on the market, either in title or music Occasionally .they come near it, but as a rule the public has no sympathy with imitators and the name of a well-known composer on.an imitation is likely to act as a boomerang Originality always pays. The easiest way for a composer-of music or a lyric wi:iter to keep up to date is to watch the trend of events in the daily papers
Another—and very important—reason why popular songs are in greater demand to-day than heretofore lies in the fact that only a few years ago a person who was the proud owner of a piano was looked, upon as the possessor of wealth. In these days every workingman who has a family owns a piano, an organ, banjo, guitar or mandolin, and frequently several instruments may be found in a single family. Of course, this creates a demand for the lighter class of popular music.
Then again, the public schools all teach the rudiments of music, free scholarships in conservatories have been established, which induces a large number of young folks to compete. In fact, it is almost as much a part of a child's educa- |
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