Jules Levy (musician)

Born in London, England, he reportedly began his study of the cornet with only its mouthpiece; his family could not afford the instrument itself.

After migrating to the United States, he began a significant musical career as a cornet soloist and was billed as "The World's Greatest Cornetist".

He was a member of Patrick Gilmore's band for several years, performing with them at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876.

Levy performed many pieces, among the most famous being "Una Voce" by Rossini, "Carnival of Venice", "Grand Russian Fantasia" and, his favorite, "Whirlwind Polka".

He was arguably the first cornetist to be recorded, having participated in an early public demonstration of Thomas Edison's tinfoil phonograph.