“…It’s a pleasure to meet somebody who’s keeping that flame aglow and doing our little bit to keep fond memories alive…”
—Joe Franklin
on Ryan Barna
August 5, 2009
The official website of Billy Murray is maintained by collector Ryan Barna. At eight years old, Ryan wandered the basement of his native Washington, D.C. home, where he stumbled upon his first Murray record, "K-K-K-Katy" (Victor #18455-B), originally purchased by his father who was a World War I addict. Since then, he spent many years venturing for more information about someone he thought was a complete mystery. He has gotten to know all three of the authors of Billy Murray: The Phonograph Industry's First Great Recording Artist personally, and has communicated with distant relatives of Murray, film producers, and other important people who take an interest in him.
Ryan is always on the lookout for new records, photographs, articles, memorabilia, and contributors, and welcomes all additions, corrections, and commentaries to his work pertaining to this great American recording artist. As of August 24, 2009, he is now working on his forthcoming book about Murray.
Ryan next to Billy's gravestone at the Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, Long Island. Photo by Peter Dilg.
Click here to email him.
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