Cora Salisbury
American
Born 1868, Died 1960
Cora Salisbury was born near Oshkosh, WI in 1868. Her father died tragically when Cora was only 16 years old. To make ends meet, Cora’s mother took in boarders, many of whom were vaudeville and stage performers. Through this theatrical community, Cora embarked upon a life on the stage as a pianist/accompanist.
On June 6, 1888, Cora Folsom married newspaper editor, Charles Salisbury. Cora toured the Midwest for years as part of Charles' musical theater troupe, the Music Hall Stock Company before the couple divorced in 1903.
In 1910-1915, Cora performed in a travelling duo act juxtaposing Cora's original ragtime compositions with popular song as well as standard classical pieces. Cora’s young musical partner was talented violinist Benjamin Kubelsky who later changed his name to Jack Benny.
Cora died at the age of 48 on April 9, 1916, after an attack of peritonitis.
Only 6 of Cora’s ragtime compositions are known to have survived.
On June 6, 1888, Cora Folsom married newspaper editor, Charles Salisbury. Cora toured the Midwest for years as part of Charles' musical theater troupe, the Music Hall Stock Company before the couple divorced in 1903.
In 1910-1915, Cora performed in a travelling duo act juxtaposing Cora's original ragtime compositions with popular song as well as standard classical pieces. Cora’s young musical partner was talented violinist Benjamin Kubelsky who later changed his name to Jack Benny.
Cora died at the age of 48 on April 9, 1916, after an attack of peritonitis.
Only 6 of Cora’s ragtime compositions are known to have survived.