Murry K. Hill

author

Murry K. Hill

1865–1942

A vaudeville comic and early recording performer, he became known for rambling comic monologues, parody songs, and absurd pieces like "Bunch of Nonsense" and "Tale of the Cheese." Active in the early 1900s through the 1920s, he helped shape the sound of American comic recording in its earliest years.

1 Audiobook

A Bunch of Nonsense: Vaudeville Specialty

by Murry K. Hill

About the author

Born Joseph Tunnicliffe Pope, Jr. in New York City on April 15, 1865, he performed professionally as Murray K. Hill, sometimes spelled Murry K. Hill. He was working on New York stages by 1900, then moved to Chicago and toured vaudeville theaters across the Midwest.

His act mixed silly monologues with parody songs, and he became one of the notable comic voices of the early recording era. He recorded for Edison beginning in 1907, later also making records for Victor and Columbia, and became especially associated with comic pieces such as Bunch of Nonsense and Tale of the Cheese.

After leaving recording behind, he continued performing on stage. He died in Chicago on October 22, 1942, leaving behind a small but memorable place in the story of vaudeville and pioneer sound recording.