Edith Helena

"Peaceful Was The Night"

Verdi's Il Trovatore

Act 1 aria "Tacea la notte placida" is sung in English

Victor 35214

1911

Edith Helena was a coloratura soprano who started in vaudeville but moved to the operatic stage.

She then returned to vaudeville. She made a living other ways, too.

One novelty was the use of her voice to imitate a violin.

Edith Helena (Edith Helen Seymour) was born on December 23, 1876, at 64 East Twelfth Street, New York City.

Her father was William Fleming Seymour. The name “Edith Helena” is an Italianized version of Edith Helen. At that time, females were not inclined to use their real names in vaudeville since the profession at that time tended to bring dishonor to families of middle class standing.

Miss Helena was married on December 26, 1893, to N. A. Jennings, a New York journalist, Rough Rider, and author of the book titled The Texas Ranger.

Mr. Jennings wrote lyrics for the patriotic song "Remember the Maine."

Edith Helena recorded for Berliner as early as October 1897 under her married name of Helen Jennings or Helen Jenynge.

Her first Victors were made June 10, 1903, and were available in both 7-inch and 10-inch format.

She also recorded for G & T, Zonophone, and Favorite.

She made Edison Diamond Discs as late as 1923.

In 1910 she joined the Aborn English Grand Opera Company and made her debut as Lucia in ‘’Lucia di Lammermoor’’. She married again. Her second husband was the tenor of the Aborn opera troupe--Domenico Russo.

Later she lived in Mount Kiscoe and operated a delicatessen store. Next she sold exclusive upholstered furniture.

She retired in 1934.

She lived for years on Grove Street in Mt. Kisco, New York, and died in 1956 at the age of 79.