Son of Walter Van Brunt and Frances Vail. Married Ruth Young in 1919.
Daughters: Mary Jane Rowley, Ruth Kerekes and Patricia Johnson.

Walter Van Brunt (aka Walter Scanlan) was one of the most popular cylinder and disc recording artist from 1909 through the 1920's. The golden voiced tenor began recording at the age of 17 and was the youngest professional recording artist of the time. He specialized in ballads, but also recorded comic songs. He recorded as a solo artist and as a duet partner. Walter's idol was Billy Murray. Their voices were so similar that Walter would fill in for Billy as lead singer of the American Quartet at recording sessions and at personal appearances, whenever Billy was unable to attend. Famous composer Victor Herbert wrote songs to bring out his lyric tenor voice and suggested he change his name from Van Brunt to Scanlan to better match his "Irish tenor" voice. Walter was also a song writer. His lyrics were set to music by the popular composer Harry Von Tilzer. Walter was a versatile and accomplished performer. He was a star of recordings, radio, vaudeville, musical comedy, light opera and legitimate stage.

Edison Catalog June 1914:
Mr. Van Brunt hails from Brooklyn N.Y. where he was born April 1892. He was boy soprano at Trinity and St. John's Churches New York, when thirteen years of age, and was induced by his success to devote all his time to music. He has appeared in many musical entertainments in and around New York, always carrying off more than his share of the honors. Touring in vaudeville with Halsey Moore, he has popularized a number of "hits". His clear voice and delightful personality make him a great favorite. It is unnecessary to tell those who have heard his records how great a favorite he has become with Edison audiences. He handles his fine tenor voice with such ease and sings so artistically that he cannot help be the admiration of all who like a versatile and gifted singer.


Source: Jim Walsh article "Favorite Pioneer Recording Artists", Hobbies Magazine, Nov 1951, Dec 1951, Jan 1952.
Source: Death Certificate
Info provided by Find a Grave Member VW73

Son of Walter Van Brunt and Frances Vail. Married Ruth Young in 1919.
Daughters: Mary Jane Rowley, Ruth Kerekes and Patricia Johnson.

Walter Van Brunt (aka Walter Scanlan) was one of the most popular cylinder and disc recording artist from 1909 through the 1920's. The golden voiced tenor began recording at the age of 17 and was the youngest professional recording artist of the time. He specialized in ballads, but also recorded comic songs. He recorded as a solo artist and as a duet partner. Walter's idol was Billy Murray. Their voices were so similar that Walter would fill in for Billy as lead singer of the American Quartet at recording sessions and at personal appearances, whenever Billy was unable to attend. Famous composer Victor Herbert wrote songs to bring out his lyric tenor voice and suggested he change his name from Van Brunt to Scanlan to better match his "Irish tenor" voice. Walter was also a song writer. His lyrics were set to music by the popular composer Harry Von Tilzer. Walter was a versatile and accomplished performer. He was a star of recordings, radio, vaudeville, musical comedy, light opera and legitimate stage.

Edison Catalog June 1914:
Mr. Van Brunt hails from Brooklyn N.Y. where he was born April 1892. He was boy soprano at Trinity and St. John's Churches New York, when thirteen years of age, and was induced by his success to devote all his time to music. He has appeared in many musical entertainments in and around New York, always carrying off more than his share of the honors. Touring in vaudeville with Halsey Moore, he has popularized a number of "hits". His clear voice and delightful personality make him a great favorite. It is unnecessary to tell those who have heard his records how great a favorite he has become with Edison audiences. He handles his fine tenor voice with such ease and sings so artistically that he cannot help be the admiration of all who like a versatile and gifted singer.


Source: Jim Walsh article "Favorite Pioneer Recording Artists", Hobbies Magazine, Nov 1951, Dec 1951, Jan 1952.
Source: Death Certificate
Info provided by Find a Grave Member VW73