Columbia Recording Artist
In October 1924, Gillham signed a contract with Columbia Records as an exclusive artist. When Columbia obtained rights to record using the new Western Electric recording system, Gillham was asked by Columbia to assist with the electric recording because of his use of microphones on radio. (Walsh, Hobbies Magazine and recorded interview) On February 25–27, 1925 Art recorded seven electrical masters, six of which were released. (Brian Rust The Columbia Master Book Discography, Vol. III, p 19-20) Columbia began using the new electrical process with its other artists beginning on February 27, 1925. The first electrical master was 140125, "You May Be Lonesome" released on Columbia 328-D, the first issue being on Columbia's "flag" label prior to the change to the black label. Victor began using the electrical process in March 1925.
Gillham was a popular artist with Columbia from 1924 through 1931. His 130 recordings included Angry, I'm Confessing, Shine On, Harvest Moon, I'd Climb the Highest Mountain, Cecilia, I'm Waiting for Ships That Never Come In, Thinking and Tenderly. Most of his recordings were vocals with his piano accompaniment. Some recordings included small groups which included Red Nichols, Benny Goodman, Miff Mole, Jimmy Dorsey and others.
Being a tall thin man with thick wavy hair, he created an image of himself on radio and records as an old fat bald man who was always having trouble with women and thus sang sob songs. His primary competitors were Gene Austin, Little Jack Little, Cliff Edwards and Jack Smith. Jack Smith began recording for Victor in the Fall of 1925. Victor set him up as a direct competitor by calling him the "Whispering Baritone" or Whispering Jack Smith and alleged Art Gillham was imitating Jack Smith. Columbia began advertising Art Gillham as "Famous Enough to Be Imitated." (advertising saved in his scrapbook)
In 1926 Columbia imported record presses to Sydney, Australia. The first Australian Columbia pressing was Gillham's "In Your Green Hat" and "It's Too Late to Be Sorry Now". His recording of "My Swanee River Home" was released only in Australia. (Rust)
Before recording for Columbia Gillham made several unissued recordings for Gennett, then a couple for Pathé. His first recording for Columbia in 1924 was "How Do You Do". His last recording for Columbia in 1931 was "Just A Minute More to Say Goodbye". In 1934 he made a final commercial recording for Victor which was released on its Bluebird label.
In addition to phonograph records, Art Gillham also recorded piano rolls on the Columbia, Supertone, Mel-O-Dee, Vocalstyle and Duo-Art labels. While recording for Columbia he made regular tours of the Pantages and Loews vaudeville circuits in the South and West. However, his whispering style was not as successful in theaters as they did not have microphones. Everywhere he appeared on stage he also appeared on radio and in music and record stores. Window displays featured his recordings and piano rolls.
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