R. H. Burnside

Robert Hubber Thorne Burnside (August 13, 1873 – September 14, 1952)[1] was an American actor, director, producer, composer, and playwright.

He took a brief break to join a wagon circus at age six but returned to school when the venture proved unsuccessful.

He was befriended by director and stage manager Richard Barker who, observing Burnside's eagerness, taught him much about theater.

He joined ASCAP in 1914 as a charter member and collaborated with such composers as Raymond Hubbell and Gustave Kerker.

His most famous songs were "You Can't Beat the Luck of the Irish", "Ladder of Roses", "Nice to Have a Sweetheart" and "Annabelle Jerome".

The recording "The Ladder of Roses" from Hip-Hip-Hooray (1916)[9] is not just a rendering of the song but documents a supposed rehearsal with Burnside in charge.

He offers pointed and humorous criticism of the women's chorus, which finally sings the song's refrain at the recording's conclusion.

During the course of Burnside's near-monologue, he introduces double entendres referencing some of the notable Hippodrome shows such as Chin-Chin, Stop, Look, Listen and Cheer-Up.