A charming vintage songbook from Cole’s Universal Library, published by M. M. Cole Publishing Company of Chicago.
This edition, titled “Songs of the Gay 90’s,” gathers popular songs from the late nineteenth century and presents them in easy arrangements for voice and piano, with chord symbols suitable for guitar, accordion, and other instruments.
The book contains 64 pages of music and includes well-known nostalgic songs such as:
• The Band Played On
• Bicycle Built for Two (Daisy Bell)
• Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home
• Hello Central, Give Me Heaven
• The Bowery
• The Spider and the Fly
These songs were staples of parlor pianos, barbershop singing, and early popular entertainment. The cover features lively illustrations depicting scenes from the “Gay Nineties,” including musicians, bicyclists, and period street life.
Condition:
Complete with all pages present. The spine/binding has been reinforced with tape from a previous owner. Pages show age-appropriate toning, light creasing, and wear consistent with a well-used vintage music book.
A wonderful decorative or nostalgic piece for:
• musicians and pianists
• vintage music collectors
• antique parlor or piano decor
• early American popular culture collections
