Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 July 1897 — Why Barnum Got Lind. [ARTICLE]

Why Barnum Got Lind.

Here is a curious story about the famous Swedish songstress, Jenny Lind. Goldschmidt, the Swedish cantatrice’s accompanist, had gone to America to seek his fortune. It had been a hard parting, for he loved the singer (he afterward married her), and the result was disappointment. He was about to return home when he met Barnum and complained to him of bls ill luck. Barnum was equally unhappy. He had tried everything—“circus, violin virtuosos, dancers, educated apes, learned lecturers”—but all in vain. Then Goldschmidt suggested that he knew a singer in England who might be a card In America. “A singer? Pah! What’s her name?” “Jenny Lind.” “That’s no name,” retorted Barnum. "But she sings beautifully.” “Good thing for her, but no business for me.” “But she’s the greatest singer In England.” “Better still for her; but we’ll talk about something else,” said the prince of managers. After a while spent In talk on other subjects, Goldschmidt returned to the attack. “For God’s sake,” Barnum broke In Impatiently, “leave me in peace with your singer. We have as many singers as there are sands on the seashore.” ‘ Pity,” replied Goldschmidt, carelessly. “Perhaps after all something might be done with the Swedish nightingale.” Barnum leaped to his feet. “What’s that? Swedish ” “That’s what they call her in England.” “What is she called?” “The Swedish nightingale.” “The Swedish nightingale? Write at once to Miss Jenny Lind. I will engage her for 100 concerts; $50,000 down, free voyage, and living for three persons. At once!” “But, my dear friend, you haven’t heard her!” “Heard her! What the devil do I know about mu. 4c? Swedish nightingale! Immense! And you, unlucky wretch, have waited till now before telling me!”