William Robyn
Gott, Far Vos Shtrufst Du Deine Kinder?
?גאט פארוואס שטראפסטו דיינע קינדער
Victor 73489
1922
J. M. Rumshinsky song
Willam Robyn was born William R. Rubin on November 28, 1894, in Pasiene near Riga, Latvia.
He died on April 12, 1996, in Englewood, New Jersey.
He toured in vaudeville as "Wolf Scarpioff" before 1920.
The early 1920s were peak years for young Robyn since he had an exclusive Victor contract and many offers for concert work and radio appearences. But then his agent, Hugo Boucek, ran up bills and skipped town--he was not heard of again. Robyn did not secure another agent--a mistake. His career stalled after Boucek left.
Henry Waterson, owner of the dime-store Cameo label, offered the singer $400 per week to become an exclusive recording artist for Cameo.
Robyn signed. Robyn made more discs for Cameo than for other record companies.
At first, Robyn made recordings at Cameo's West 34th Street office (and studio), where three songs were generally done in a morning session.
Robyn made his first recordings for Cameo in late May or early June 1923.
Months later, in 1924, new Cameo studios were opened at 200 West 57th on the 14th floor (near Carnegie Hall).
Accompaniment was often provided by "Bob Haring and His Orchestra"--a constantly changing studio band. Musicians who were hired often worked at the Capitol and other local theaters. Haring's "orchestra" never appeared outside of the Cameo studio.
Robyn, who was well-trained as a singer, was best at art song and standards.
