Edward Lyman Bill

Biography

In January 1888 Edward Lyman Bill bought an interest in Charles Avery Wells's 'Musical Critic and Trade Review' and soon became its sole owner. He converted the paper from a fortnightly to a weekly under the title 'Music Trades Review,' making it the first trade paper published in America devoted exclusively to the music industries. He also published several valuable treatises on piano construction in book form. From Spillane (1890): E. Lyman Bill, together with Jeff Davis Bill, acquired the Music Trades Review (founded in 1879 by Charles Avery Welles) in 1887. The partnership, referred to as 'Messrs. Bill & Bill,' edited and perpetuated the journal, which commanded a good circulation attributed partly to their personal popularity.

Highlights

• Bought an interest in the 'Musical Critic and Trade Review' in January 1888 and became sole owner
• Converted it into the weekly 'Music Trades Review,' the first American trade paper devoted exclusively to the music industries
• Published several treatises on piano construction in book form
• Acquired the Music Trades Review with Jeff Davis Bill in 1887 and continued its publication as 'Messrs. Bill & Bill.'

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 417.

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), p. 360.

Public domain.