Monday 18 October 2021

Esther Walker born 18 October 1894


Esther Walker (October 18, 1894 – July 26, 1943) was a popular American musical comedy performer in the 1920’s. 

Born Esther Thomas in Louisville, Kentucky. She had three sisters and four brothers. As she began her stage career, Esther Thomas adopted the stage name of Esther Walker. In 1919 Esther appeared on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre in the production of "Monte Cristo, Jr.". And later in the same year she could be found at the 44th Street Theatre in the short-lived production of "Hello, Alexander" with songs by composer Jean Schwartz. 

Esther Walker’s short recording career ran from 1919-1920 and 1925-1927 producing some 32 sides on Victor and Brunswick. The height of her recording success was probably in 1926 when she recorded the Brunswick sides "Ya Gotta Know How To Love" and "As Long As I Have You And You Have Me". 


                             

She married famous Texan movie theater owner Karl Hoblitzelle. Mr. Hoblitzelle, born in Missouri, was an event manager at the St. Louis World’s Fair. He later moved to Dallas and started a successful chain of vaudeville houses and movie theaters. Esther and Karl made their home in Dallas, Texas. 

In 1942 Karl and Esther chartered a philanthropic foundation - the "Hoblitzelle Foundation" which provided funds to schools, hospitals, agriculture, and other interests. The foundation still thrives today. 

Esther was very involved in civic organizations such as the USO. The American Red Cross and the Junior league. She was also involved with many social clubs including the Dalls Garden Club, The Dallas Country Club and remained active in local theatre productions.. 

She died of pancreatic cancer in Dallas on July 26, 1943 at the age of 48 and left the bulk of her estate to Hobliyzelle Foundation.

(Edited from Wikipedia & Dawning Genealogy)

5 comments:

D said...

Link?

T.G. said...

Thanks for all and especially for this, but do you have a link to post for this one too? Thanks a lot!

boppinbob said...

Hello fellow music lovers, there is always a first time for everything and yesterday was one of those moments. I must admit I had a very busy day and was extremely tired. I had to find all the records for a fellow radio presenters 1940’s show (which took me most of the day) and as Esther Walker was only a small bio I decided to do it, but as you can see I was nodding off as I was posting, hence no link or playlist. I nearly did the same for the 19ths blog as I was celebrating with my son on his 43rd birthday with copious amounts of rum (Dead Man’s Fingers). That’s the only problem being retired there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

So finally for “Esther Walker – 1920’s Blues & jazz Vocals (1919 – 1927)” go here:

https://krakenfiles.com/view/8Eh91EjECO/file.html


1. Sahara (We'll Soon Be Dry Like You) [Recorded July 1919] 3:22
2. Nobody Knows and Nobody Seems to Care (Recorded July 1919) 3:17
3. Sweet Kisses (Recorded September 1919) 2:44
4. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me (Recorded September 1919) 2:56
5. How Sorry You'll Be (Wait'll You See) [Recorded November 1919] 2:47
6. Slow and Easy (Recorded May 1920) 2:32
7. What'cha Gonna Do When There Ain't No Jazz? (Recorded May 1920) 2:30
8. What Did I Tell Ya? (Recorded December 1925) 2:36
9. Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue (Recorded December 1925) 2:55
10. I Want Somebody to Cheer Me Up (Recorded January 1926) 2:47
11. I Love My Baby (Recorded November 1926) 2:37
12. I'm In Love with You That's Why (Recorded March 1926) 3:00
13. Poor Papa (Recorded March 1926) 3:06
14. I'm Lonely Without You (With Ed Smalle) [Recorded March 1926] 2:49
15. As Long As I Have and You Have Me (With Ed Smalle) [Recorded March 1926] 2:41
16. You Gotta Know How to Love (Recorded June 1926) 2:55
17. Hard to Get Gertie (Recorded June 1926) 2:53
18. Brighten My Days (Recorded June 1926) 3:02
19. I Don't Want Nobody But You (Recorded June 1926) 2:51
20. Don't Be Angry with Me ( Recorded October 1926) 2:36
21. All Alone Monday (Recorded October 1926) 2:58
22. Whisper, Sh! (Recorded October 1926) 2:54
23. Good News (Recorded October 1927) 2:49
24. I Left My Sugar Standing In the Rain (Recorded October 1927) 3:02
25. After I Called You Sweetheart, How Can I Call You Friend? (Recorded October 1927) 2:57
26. I Ain't That Kind of a Baby (Recorded October 1927) 2:57


(I downloaded two digital volumes and joined them into one)

Aussie said...

thank you so much i love old music

Bob Mac said...

Thanks for this, looks interesting and I'm looking forward to having a listen.