In 1896, vaudeville agent, James Hyde saw Edwards’ performance at the Johnny Palmer’s Gaiety Saloon. Soon after, Hyde formed a variety quintet with Edwards and four other boys. The new act was called the Newsboys Quintet and immediately they were booked on a nation-wide tour. While on tour in 1898, Edwards wrote his first song “All I Want is My Black Baby Back” (popularized by May Irwin).

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