Today in music (1881): The birth of vaudeville

October 24, 1881 The birth of vaudeville

The term “vaudeville” has been traced to two different French phrases – “Val de Vire,” which means “valley of the river Vire” and “voix de ville” which means “voices of the town.” Both are references to the valley and river where Olivier Basselin, a 15th century satirical song-writer lived. The word became a reference to “a catchy song lampooning a town and its people.” NWE As a result of the popularity of the form, the Theatre du Vaudeville opened in Paris in 1792. NWE Vaudeville star Sophie Turner gives a completely different account of the origins of the term. William Morris, her legendary agent, said there was a red windmill in the Vire valley that served wine and cheese to farmers as they waited for their wheat to be milled. Travelling entertainers took advantage of the built-in audience and would perform and pass a hat. M101 In America, the form emerged after the American Civil War, influenced by the Industrial Revolution. The country had changed dramatically from “the once rural face of America” M101 to a population now characterized by more people living in towns and cities and working jobs that gave them some spare cash and leisure time. M101 That led to the rise of vaudeville by the turn of the century was “the first modern big business entertainment.” NWE However, the birth of vaudeville is generally given as October 24, 1881. The date marks the first time Tony Pastor, a former ringmaster with P.T. Barnum’s circus, staged his first, self-proclaimed “clean” vaudeville show at his New Fourteenth Street Theatre. NWE Before that, the content in variety shows was often considered inappropriate for women and children. M101 The popularity of Pastor’s show, however, led to a more family-oriented form of entertainment influenced by “minstrel shows, circuses, medicine shows, and burlesque theater.” NWE A typical bill included multiple acts comprised of music, dancing, comedy, magic, and more. Vaudeville reached a peak of roughly 25,000 artists working in 4000 theaters. NWE The form saw its demise in the early 1930s because of the rise of other forms of entertainment such as movies with sound. Many of the performers from vaudeville continued to find success in musical comedy, radio, movies, and television. NWE For more important days in music history, check out the Dave’s Music Database history page. Resources and Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “History Index” Dave’s Music Database: “Vaudeville: Top 100 Songs” M101 Musicals101.com “A History of the Musical: Vaudeville” by John Kenrick NWE NewWorldEncyclopedia.org “Vaudeville” First posted 10/6/2023.