All recordings are from the original source material
and digitally re-mastered to reduce surface noise.
Esther Walker (1894-1943)
Esther Walker was a
popular musical comedy star in the 1920s.
Born Esther Thomas in Louisville, Kentucky on October 18, 1894.
She had
three sisters and four brothers.
As she began her stage career, Esther Thomas adopted the stage name of
Esther Walker.
In 1919 Esther appeared on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre in the
production of
"Monte Cristo, Jr.".
Later in the same year she could be found at the 44th Street Theatre in
the short-lived production of
"Hello, Alexander" with songs by composer
Jean Schwartz.
Esther Walker's short recording career ran from 1919-1920 and 1925-1927.
The height of her recording success was probably in 1926 when she recorded
the Brunswick sides "Ya Gotta Know How To Love" and
"As Long As I Have You
And You Have Me".
Esther Thomas married famous Texan movie theater owner Karl Hoblitzelle.
Mr. Hoblitzelle, born in Missouri, was an event manager at the St. Louis
World's Fair.
He later moved to Dallas and started a successful chain of vaudeville
houses and movie theaters.
In 1942 Karl and Esther chartered a philanthropic foundation - the "Hoblitzelle
Foundation" which provided funds to schools, hospitals, agriculture, and
other interests.
The foundation still thrives today.
Esther Walker Thomas Hoblitzelle died of cancer in Dallas on July 26, 1943
at the age of 48. The bulk of her estate went to the foundation.
This CD includes her 2nd and final group of recordings made at the height of her recording career.
These recordings show her vibrant and exciting singing style that as very popular.
There is a creative jazz improvisation interjected in her song lyrics that was
unique.
Her personality comes though well in the recordings.
Esther Walker 1920's
Blues& Jazz Vocals Vol.2 (Recorded 1926-1927)
1-You Gotta Know How To
Love (Recorded June 1926)
2-Hard To Get Gertie
(Recorded June 1926)
3-Brighten My Days
(Recorded June 1926)
4-I Don’t Want Nobody But
You (Recorded June 1926)
5-Don’t Be Angry With Me
( Recorded October 1926)
6-All Alone Monday
(Recorded October 1926)
7-Whisper, Sh! (Recorded
October 1926)
8-Good News (Recorded
October 1927)
9-I Left My Sugar
Standing In The Rain (Recorded October 1927)
10-After I Called You
Sweetheart, How Can I Call You Friend? (Recorded October 1927)
11-I Ain’t That Kind Of
Baby (October 1927)
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