1. Sylvester Louis "Vess" Ossman was a leading five-string banjoist and popular recording artist of the early 20th century.
12 Facts About Vess Ossman
1. 2.
Sylvester Louis Ossman was born in Hudson, New York, and made his first recordings in 1893.
3.
Vess Ossman accompanied popular singers, such as Arthur Collins and Len Spencer.
4.
Vess Ossman led his own dance band, the Ossman's Singing and Playing Orchestra, in Dayton, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
5.
The increasing popularity of his rival Fred Van Eps, after 1910, made Vess Ossman's name appear less frequently in record company supplements.
6.
Vess Ossman temporarily ceased recording in 1913 but resumed in late 1915.
7.
Vess Ossman continued to travel with his dance orchestra, working in hotels throughout Midwest while living in Dayton with his family.
8.
At a theater show in Minneapolis, Vess Ossman suffered a heart attack.
9.
Vess Ossman was brought to the hospital but soon returned to the show.
10.
Vess Ossman was buried in Valhalla Cemetery in St Louis, Missouri.
11.
Vess Ossman played in what is known as the classic banjo style.
12.
Vess Ossman fingerpicked gut strings using a technique similar to classical guitarists.