Adolf Østbye

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Adolf Østbye (February 1868-September 5, 1907, Kristiania (Oslo), Norway) was a revue artist and barber who became the first Norwegian recording artist. The earliest playable Norwegian phonograph cylinder dates from 1889.

During the years 1889 - 1904, Østbye made a series of cylinders, announced "Østbye Record". Several of these are made with cooperation with the Norwegian Pathé manager, William Farre.

A rare 1906/07 Ekko record from Østbye.

[edit] The first recording in Norway

In December 1904, Østbye was the first to make a gramophone record. The record was "Terje Vigen". (Actually, Edvard Grieg 1843-1907, was the first Norwegian to play a gramophone record, in Paris during the spring 1903.) The Norwegian recording sesson were held at the Grand Hotel, Kristiania.

Østbye made several cylinders and gramophone records for Pathé, The Gramophone Company. Many of these sold very well, and the most popular title "Bal i Hallingdal" together with Carl Mathisen (September 25, 1870 Holmsbu, Norway-1933 Ray, North Dakota, US) at accordion remained in the HMV catalogues until the late 1930's.

Østbye was also began to start up with his own record company, "Ekko - Kristiania" during 1906-07. These plans were cut short by his illness in 1907, and only two Ekko records are reported to exist today.