Robert B. Smith

Robert Bache Smith ( June 4, 1875 – November 6, 1951), usually published as Robert B. Smith, was an American librettist and lyricist. His older brother, Harry B. Smith, was also a successful lyricist and a writer and composer.

Born in Chicago, Smith began his career apprenticing with the famed vaudeville duo Weber and Fields. He most notably wrote the lyrics to “Come Down, Ma Evenin' Star” from Weber and Fields' Twirly Whirly (1902; famously sung by Lillian Russell). He went on to write libretti for operettas and lyrics for musicals, including such works as Fantana (1905), The Spring Maid (1910), Sweethearts (1913), and Angel Face (1919). His last work was The Girl in the Spotlight (credited as Richard Bruce) in 1920. He died in New York City at the age of 76.

Birth and Death Data: Born June 4, 1875, Died November 6, 1951

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1903 - 1947

Roles Represented in DAHR: lyricist

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings (Results 51-56 of 56 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Brunswick 3167 10-in. approximately Nov. 1919 I might be your once-in-a-while Ida Heydt Female vocal solo and male vocal trio, with orchestra lyricist  
Brunswick 4100 10-in. approximately Sept. 1920 I cannot sleep without dreaming of you Irene Audrey ; Crescent Trio Female vocal solo and male vocal trio, with orchestra lyricist  
Edison 2337 10-in. 6/18/1913 How I love a pretty face Harvey Hindermyer Male vocal solo, with orchestra lyricist  
Edison 2348 10-in. 6/24/1913 Two little love bees Vernon Archibald ; Elizabeth Spencer Female-male vocal duet, with orchestra lyricist  
Edison 7089 10-in. 1/6/1920 I might be your once-in-a-while Leola Lucey Female vocal solo and mixed vocal chorus, with orchestra lyricist  
Edison 7390 10-in. 6/7/1920 Day dreams Frieda Hempel Soprano vocal solo, with orchestra lyricist  
(Results 51-56 of 56 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Smith, Robert B.," accessed November 25, 2024, https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/108690.

Smith, Robert B.. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/108690.

"Smith, Robert B.." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 25 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/108690

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