Harry Lauder Rare Early Original Autographed 7/9 Photo Scottish Singer Comedian

Description

Here is a rare early vintage original autographed 7" by 9" photo of Scottish singer and comedian Harry Lauder (1870-1950), from the 1930s. Born Henry MacLennan Lauder, Harry Lauder overcame his humble beginnings as a widow's son, flax mill worker and coal miner to become one of the most popular Scottish entertainers of all time. A comedian, singer and music hall entertainer from 1900 to 1930, Lauder knocked 'em flat with skits and songs performed in knit kilts and Scottish accents. He wrote many of his own songs, as well, including the hits She Is Ma Daisy, I Love a Lassie, Roamin' in the Gloamin', and A Wee Deoch an' Doris. Lauder was also one of the first entertainers to recognize the importance of the phonograph; he recorded continuously between 1902 and 1935 and became the first entertainer of any kind to sell a million records. He was knighted in 1919 for entertaining British troops on the frontlines during World War I. Minor corner and edge wear, minor edge creasing. Rare.
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Sir Henry Lauder was a Scottish singer and comedian popular in both music hall and vaudevillian theatre traditions; he achieved international success. He was described by Sir Winston Churchill as "Scotland's greatest ever ambassador", who also wrote that Lauder, "... by his inspiring songs and valiant life, rendered measureless service to the Scottish race and to the British Empire." He became a familiar worldwide figure promoting images like the kilt and the cromach (walking stick) to huge acclaim, especially in America. Among his most popular songs were "Roamin' in the Gloamin", "A Wee Deoch-an-Doris", "The End of the Road" and, a particularly big hit for him, "I Love a Lassie". Lauder's understanding of life, its pathos and joys, earned him his popularity. Beniamino Gigli commended his singing voice and clarity. Lauder usually performed in full Highland regalia—kilt, sporran, tam o' shanter, and twisted walking stick—and sang Scottish-themed songs, including Roamin' in the Gloamin'. By 1911 Lauder had become the highest-paid performer in the world, and was the first British artist to sell a million records; by 1928 he had sold double that. He raised vast amounts of money for the war effort during the First World War, for which he was knighted in 1919. He went into semi-retirement in the mid-1930s, but briefly emerged to entertain troops in the Second World War. By the late 1940s he was suffering from long periods of ill-health and died in Scotland in 1950.