The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-08-11
Ethiopian NIinstrelsy.
4. +. CMRIsrY, HIS LIFE, FORTUNE AND sUoc
Correspondence Of the Albany Express

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Correspondence Of the Albany Express
NEW YORK, August 3, 1854.
You are already aware that L. p. Christy fas re-
he was the originator Of this STYLE * entessinmens
tie first to harmonic negro melodies, the author OF
nearly all the most popular songs, and has achieved
success perhaps unparalleled In the annals Of amuse
Edwin P. Chlisty was born in Philadelphia in
1915, where he lived until he was ten years OF age
He received liberal offer from the friends of Gis
family to go to New Orleans, which was accepted
aftcr his education had been sufficiently advanced
and he was placed as clerk in q large mercantile
house. The sedentary habits of business life were
not at all congelial to his buoyant dispt sition.
From being constant visiter at Purdy & Welch's
menageIie. then in New Orleans, he became dis
gusted with the dry details of business and joined
the itinelant company, having made up his mind
not Only to see the elephant but to travel With
him. lie made the tour of the Southern States
with this company, leaving New Orleans in 1927,
and found il anything but Z" hard road to travel"
When he had concluded that engagement he 70
turned to his adopted place Of resi- ence where he
walk. Here it was, while listening to the simple,
plaintiye melodies Of The slaves under his msnage
ment that the idea of the present popular style of
enter taiprent sas born in his mind, confirmed by
Gnep,' whtre the darkes had their holiday fetes,
became lallowed ground t. Mr.. Christy in later
days, when he remembered how often ne had been
silent, unpbseved and delighted spectator OF gay
the past eleven years to reproduce.
With love of adventure, and desire to see the
world almost consuming him, Mr.. Christy, in 1892,
again united himself TO circus company, and Mt.
tanned great celebrity as negro melodsr and comic
singer In this capacity he remained several years,
rnconsciously preparing himself for the legitimate
business he was creating, and out OF which he was
destined to realize splendid success. Upon quitting
the company in 1885, he became member Of the
Eagle street theatre, Buffalo, where as buffo vo-
calist and comic actor, he acquired great reputa-
ton.
After few years retirement from the public
stage, incng it impossible longer TO resist the fas-
cinations of Che "rnlnstrcs life Mr. Chrisy formed
q company In ls4l and having performed Ia almost
every city Of the United States aud the Canadas he
established himself in this city, commencing series
Of performances in April 9th, 1916, at Palmo 3
Opera House. now Burton's theatre. He next re-
moved to the "Alhambra,' In Broadway, near
Spring street thence to the Society Libary Rooms.
Appeton's book store, aud finally to Mechanics
Hall. where he opened March ed ls47, and gave
certs every night up to the 18th OF last month,
with only an ntermssion of q few weeks Ia q
season If little more than nine years.
MIR. Christy besides being apioneer In the descrip
ton CT entertainment which he presented the pub
he, brought to the task clear Judgment and ntir
IL aindustry. His sue gradual but certain.
AID a. curiosity In its way, we give the facts and
figures. which may be relied on