Bert Williams & George Walker sing - Good Afternoon Mr. Jenkins - 1901 Victor Monarch Record

Here is George W. Walker with Bert Williams from their earliest recording session for Victor in Oct. of 1901, singing "Good Afternoon, Mr. Jenkins" (composed by R.C. McPherson & Thomas Lemonier) from the Play/comedy "Sons of Ham". Williams & Walker were one of the first successful African American Comedy duos in the history of the American Theatre, starring in the first Black Produced Musical Comedies at the turn of the last Century. Walker died in 1911, and Williams went on to be one of the most beloved and popular Stars of the Ziegfeld Follies over the next 11 years until his death in 1922. Williams also made many records for Columbia during that time period.Since the lyrics might be a little difficult to make out here they are. Verse: In upper Broadway where the swells all Congregate, A dusky Dick-to-do went strolling, and met his fate, A Saffron Colored lady with a witching smile, Did this high-toned darkey swell be-guile, He Wined and dined her on the best at Ca-fe Grand, Spent his hard earn'd money with a lavish hand, "Now may I see you home? Said He, I'm sorry Sir it can-not be, for Ma is waiting there for me, So -- Chorus: "Good Afternoon, Mr. Jenkins, ah'll See you again, It ain't no earthly use____ for to remain, 'Cause I've enjoyed your Company it's no reason why That I should risk my home for you, So good afternoon, Good bye." Bye__