| May 2002 |
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An early recording of the popular song,
| Company | Columbia Phonograph Company |
| Cylinder # | 32449 |
| Category | Baritone solo |
| Title | In Zanzibar |
| Performed by | J. W. Myers |
| Circa | May 1904 |
| Announcement | "In Zanzibar, sung by J. W. Myers. Columbia record." |
J. W. Myers, one of the leading baritone recording stars of the 1890s through 1900s, recorded hundreds of songs over the years for most major record companies.
Here Myers introduces one of the hit songs
from the 1904 musical comedy "The Medal and the
Myers "trademarked" this and many of his earlier recordings by announcing his name using a distinctive rising pitch.
To hear an excerpt — 
For help playing these sounds, click here. |
In Zanzibar (My Little Chimpanzee) Words by Will D. Cobb Music by Gus EdwardsFirst verse. In Zanzibar, great land of glory – A monkey Czar, so runs the story – Came from afar with love o'er laden – To win and woo a monkey maiden – with twang Darwinian – Sang this opinion. Chorus. My little Chimpanzee, you're all this world to me – A branch I'll find for thee in my own fam'ly tree – No monkey shine for me – A wedding fine there'll be – In high society – In Zanzibar. Second verse. In Zanzibar's great cocoanut castle – Hail to the Czar – each monkey vassal – Great King Gazoo – my great ancestor – Sang to his bride as he caressed her – with chin bone chattering – His Panzie flattering.
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