Vess L. Ossman

Artist

Vess L. Ossman

About

American banjo player (born August 21, 1868 in Hudson, New York, died December 7, 1923 in Fairmont, Minnesota)

Known as "The Banjo King", Ossman recorded prolifically between 1893 and 1917. He not only performed widely in the United States, but also toured England twice, in 1900 and 1903, making several recordings in London during each visit. Around 1906, he formed a popular trio, the Ossman-Dudley Trio, consisting of himself on banjo, Audley Dudley on mandolin, and George N. Dudley on harp guitar. Overshadowed by a younger rival, Fred Van Eps, and by the end of the ragtime craze, Ossman made his last recordings for Columbia in 1917. He continued to perform with his son, Vess L. Ossman, Jr., until December 1923, when he suffered a fatal heart attack while on a tour.

A banjo solo of "Tell Me, Pretty Maiden" that Ossman recorded January 21, 1901, was the oldest surviving master recording in Columbia's recording archive in 1946, when it was reissued in honor of the company's pressing of its 1 billionth record.

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Top Tracks

Most popular songs on Last.fm

1

Buffalo Rag

Vess L. Ossman

2

A Coon Band Contest

Vess L. Ossman

3

Maple Leaf Rag

Vess L. Ossman

4

A Bunch of Rags

Vess L. Ossman

5

Whistling Rufus

Vess L. Ossman

6

Rusty Rags

Vess L. Ossman

7

Florida Rag

Vess L. Ossman

8

Persian Lamb Rag

Vess L. Ossman

9

Moon Winks

Vess L. Ossman

10

St. Louis tickle

Vess L. Ossman

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Some of Vess L. Ossman's most popular tracks include Buffalo Rag, A Coon Band Contest, Maple Leaf Rag, A Bunch of Rags, Whistling Rufus. Listen to these songs and discover more from their extensive catalog.

American banjo player (born August 21, 1868 in Hudson, New York, died December 7, 1923 in Fairmont, Minnesota)Known as "The Banjo King", Ossman recorded prolifically between 1893 and 1917. He not only... Read the full biography on this page.

You can find Vess L. Ossman vinyl records and merchandise on eBay. We feature a curated selection of vinyl releases and collectibles available for purchase.

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