George W. Johnson (singer)
George W. Johnson | |
|---|---|
A photo of Johnson from The Phonoscope, July 1898 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | George Washington Johnson |
| Born | October 29, 1846 Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | January 23, 1914 (aged 67) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Vaudeville |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, valet |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, whistling |
| Years active | 1890–1910 |
| Labels | Berliner Gramophone, Edison, Columbia, Victor Talking Machine Company |
George Washington Johnson (c. October 1846 – January 23, 1914) was an American singer and pioneer sound recording artist. Johnson was the first African American recording star of the phonograph. His most popular songs were "The Whistling Coon" and "The Laughing Song".