This photograph was made from an original glass plate at the Historical Museum. It was stored in an envelope marked “Duke Musicians.” It appears to be a photograph made in Brownwood at Howard Payne College in 1916 or 1917. A Howard Payne banner can be seen above the bookcase in the background. The men have been playing a song called “A Broken Doll” since the sheet music is still sitting on the front of the piano. The first recording of the song was by Nora Bayes. The first record release “A Broken Doll” was recorded in November of 1916 by Al Jolson on the Columbia Label and released in February 1917. Al Jolson was an influential and popular entertainer at the time. He helped to popularize many songs, including “A Broken Doll.” Al Jolson would also be remembered for starring in “The Jazz Singer” the first feature length talking picture. You can listen to this original song on your phone by clicking on the QR code here.
youtube.com/watch?v=Npji_-QsGc Click the QR code to hear the song the musicians have been playing performed by Al Jolson.