The group began recording in 1918.[4] In 1920 they toured in support of the
Aeolian Vocalion company.[5] Their popularity was such that their recordings were released overseas by
His Master's Voice in their French catalog.[6] The trio made additional recordings for
Brunswick Records,[7]Edison Records,[8]Lyric Records[9]Okeh Records,[10] and
Pathé Records.[11] However, they are most associated with the
Victor Records label, and are prominently featured in Victor advertising of the era.
Joel Whitburn, in his chart recreations, estimates that the Trio had the equivalent of 6 top-20 hits between 1919 and 1921, including "I'll Say She Does", "I Want a Daddy Who Will Rock Me to Sleep", "Poor Little Butterfly Is a Fly Gal Now", "
You'd Be Surprised", "
Swanee", and "Moonbeams", all for Victor.[12]
Style
Recorded performances are usually performed in
March-style, played "straight" through the first strain, and then the second strain would include improvisation, increased rhythmic values, and often a melodic tempo speeding of up to four-times the original timing.[2]