
An American author and humorist who played the piano, guitar, and banjo.
He had a curious way of playing with his fingers stretched straight out over the keys, so that each time he played a chord it seemed as if a miracle had happened. He always cleared his throat many times before he began, and then sang quite loudly with his head thrown back and his eyes fixed on the ceiling. We thought he looked very 'cute.' He interrupted himself constantly to correct wrong chords, but usually in vain, for he could not find the right ones. […] When he sang 'Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory, Glory,' he gave out so much fervor of spirit that one could never forget it.