“Popeye the Sailor Man“ – Billy Murray with Al Dollar and His Ten Cent Band – 1931

William Thomas “Billy“ Murray was one of the most popular singers in the U.S. in the early decades of the 20th Century. While he received top billings in Vaudeville, he was best known for his prolific work in the studio. He recorded on nearly every label, making him one of the best selling recording artists of his era. Backed by Al Dollar and His Ten Cent Band, Murray performed the “Popeye the Sailor Man“ tune in 1931 which predates the cartoons by two years. Footnote: Murray also performed the musical version of Rube Goldberg’s comic strip song hit “I’m the Guy“ in 1912.