The actual voice of Buffalo Bill Cody recorded in 1898!

In April 1898, Buffalo Bill Cody made a recording called "Sentiments on the Cuban Question." It isn't the easiest recording to hear every word, but the tone and cadence of his voice are quite remarkable.
***This video contains the audio in its original format. If you would prefer a version with the pops and hisses removed, try this one: • Buffalo Bill's Voice R...
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Do you enjoy hearing voices from the past? Here's a video about the 1908 Presidential Campaign featuring the voices of William Howard Taft and William Jennings Bryan.
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[@gene4094]

My grandfather shook the hand of Buffalo Bill, and he was proud of it.

[@HistoryHeights]

And rightfully so!

[@matzlindfors8987]

Wonder if it was the same hand he used to scalp yellow hand

[@iggie1439]

I live in Australia but originally from England 48 years ago and my Grandfather who used to sit me on his knee and tell me how when he was a boy Buffalo Bill took his show to Manchester and how they used to ride down the main street and the kids would run out to meet him and my Grandfather got to shake hands with Buffalo Bill and it made his day.

[@greencastle4180]

That is amazing ,wow !!👍👍

[@jmgmarcus808]

I like that story.

[@user-qr8ki8ue4i]

His accent sounds British.

[@jeffebdy]

At the end of the mini series "The English" they mention that very thing!

[@PhilipKerry]

@@user-qr8ki8ue4i No it doesn't , I'm 66 and English and to me it sounds like American .

[@janabell3810]

My great aunt met Buffalo Bill when his Wild West show came through Omaha, NE in 1910. She was working in the lobby of the hotel where he was staying and one morning, he bought a magazine from her. She told my grandma that he was super polite and had a gorgeous manicure.

[@HistoryHeights]

How wonderful to have that story in your family!

[@janabell3810]

@@HistoryHeights Yes!!!! Thank you. I’m proud of that!

[@HistoryHeights]

@@janabell3810 I had a lot of relatives in Omaha at that time, too. Now I'm wondering if they ever saw Cody, too. hmmmmm

[@janabell3810]

@@HistoryHeights You never know!

[@patriciamorgan6545]

Fascinating tidbit about the manicure.

[@billtinsley2781]

I'm only 63 (only... ha) and my grandfather, my dad's dad, was born in 1876 so I grew up surrounded by some fairly old people with some fairly awesome stories and this recording really hits the spot. Thank you for sharing.

[@HistoryHeights]

You're welcome!

[@Gizathecat2]

My great grandfather also knew Buffalo Bill! And my grandfather enjoyed hearing his many tales! And I’m not much older than you!

[@Gizathecat2]

Wow! My grandfather grew up in South Dakota and his father and Buffalo Bill were friends. And some of my grandfather’s older cousins knew Sitting Bull who shared many stories of the Sioux people. I enjoyed hearing the voice of a man my great grandfather knew! Time travel anyone?

[@davidsingleton1072]

The fact that this recording even exists is remarkable. It's so fascinating to be able to actually hear voices from a hundred years ago, and from such a significant historical figure like Buffalo Bill. Stuff like this makes the internet actually worthwhile. Keep up the good work.

[@HistoryHeights]

Thank you! I'll do my best.

[@lynnwallis8654]

@@HistoryHeights thank you so much! more of these would be awesome! was a bit hard to understand with the static, I realize however that it's hard enough to match technologies! I also love your end message, thank you for reminding folks to live in the present and visit the past only.

[@unelectedleader6494]

Somebody doomed to die on the titanic could’ve been in the audience there.

[@Jaake-my2rq]

I couldn't agree more.

[@oldfogey4679]

David yes it is nice to hear the voices from the past! Just think about how future generations will not only be able to hear our voices but our movements will also be synchronized with our voices! Giving future generations even more of an idea as to who we were!

[@artisaprimus6306]

It's surreal to actually hear the voice of a legend of the Wild West. Incredible!

[@SANITIZEDINC]

More a legend of show biz than the wild west. It was a persona.

[@naychiv9325]

I’m surprised his accent doesn’t sound more southern like most Hollywood films portrayed western cowboys and frontiersmen as having.

[@quequitem]

A legend, no, the voice of a murderer!

[@Covey7342]

@@quequitem get over yourself

[@3k166]

@@quequitem cope with it

[@grandpahickory613]

Me, and my beloved wife visited his grave in COLORADO IN THE SUMMER OF 1974....My wife has died of cancer, I saw this video and it brought back that memory of so long ago....GOD bless Bill Cody, and his memory......

[@robertyerry8118]

My Grandfather worked for him. He put up the tents and helped with the show and shared many stories with me as a young child. The stories of the " Freaks" in the show and about Annie Oakley. He told me that he was a very nice Man . I think that is where I guess show business runs in the blood. Thank you for sharing.

[@HistoryHeights]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@wszechstronnydyletant7593]

Mindblowing story Robert. How old was your Grandfather when he worked for BB? Can you share more details? Thank you.

[@johnnorman7708]

A voice from the grave. I so wish there were more recordings such as this

[@Storytime2023x]

Almost as if he were speaking from the grave…

[@badapple65]

I stood at his grave thanksgiving weekend on the mountain above Golden CO. In fact the 3rd time in my life I’ve been there. Small museum too near the gravesite of Buffalo Bill and his Wife.

[@garybrockwell2031]

There are many voices to hear at the British Library, I think you can access, Like Miss Nightingale the lady and the lamp.. She was at the Crimea around the date of your recording. Love from LONDON 😍🇬🇧

[@wYatt121509]

Amen.

[@misskim2058]

That’s a nice bit of information, perhaps they have them online. Thank you for pointing that out. Love right back to London, our British cousins, from western America!

[@johnathandavis3693]

I was impressed by his accent and the style of his verbal delivery. No regional "twang", but a very refined and gentlemanly "flourish". I guess I was expecting him to sound like a movie cowboy or something. A very engaging speaker, for sure. This is very interesting. Thank you for this...

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Guess what. Most people spoke that way, the modern american accent hasn't been till now, even in the 1970s, dialects were far from today.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

He needed to have a "stage voice" delivery .....he was the "MC" of thousands of live shows and Wild West extravaganzas all over the World...all before Amps and Electrification.... He was the consummate showman

[@dudefrombelgium]

back then the English spoken in the USA resembled more of the British English

[@paulrutland2640]

He still has very much an American accent. It may have some archaic/transitional elements but still firmly American. He doesn’t sound at all British imho which is what some people have alluded to on here. I think the US accent goes well back towards the days if independence at least probably further but of course would probably start to sound more English as you go back to the very early days! 👍🏻

[@pollyanne234]

It's an English accent

[@allen_p]

Absolutely incredible to hear the voice of Buffalo Bill Cody.

[@thorlo1278]

To hear the voice of someone that lived in the 1800's is absolutely amazing, but to hear the voice of someone of Buffalo Bill's stature is mind blowing! Madame, I have met few that have astounded me. But you have done more than others!! 👍👍👍 Three thumbs up from this old 71 y/o man.

[@HistoryHeights]

You are most kind. Thank you!

[@christylasure7072]

Wise words at the end , thank you

[@dennistyler9852]

My great Uncle lived in 3 centuries 1899-2004

[@blk77sunshn]

I couldn't have said it better !

[@johndeeregreen4592]

I'm 46 and raised by and got to hear the voice of someone born in the 1800s :D. My great-grandparents were born in the late 1800s and both lived to be over 100.

[@holydiver73]

My Great Grandparents took my Grandmother to see Buffalo Bill’s show on their tour of England in the early 1900’s. My grandmother must have only been about 8 at the time, but they used to tell my dad about it. What an amazing character he was.

[@jamespatterson7780]

I recently read family biograpies of my great grandfather and his brother, who went to Western Kansas in the early 1870's. My great-great uncle was in the US Infantry at that time, and rode with Bill Cody on different scouting trips. His regiment also was one of the first to go to the Little Big Horn shortly after the Custer massacre in 1876. He also knew Bat Masterson and Wild Bill Hickock and other frontier characters. My great grandfather help build the railroad into Dodge City in the early 1870's, and I still have relatives in that part of Kansas to this day.

[@gwienbarg]

You might be familiar with the duel at War Bonnet Creek?

[@wevegraysquaw7855]

@@gwienbarg state your purpose you scaliwag! *twirls mustache

[@patriciajrs46]

I hope you realize how lucky you are to have found his stories, letters, journals, etc. First hand accounts of that era are a great treasure.

[@marnaehrech1223]

SO COOL!! THX for sharing!

[@hickokhaley]

My 2nd Cousin, 3x removed, is Wild Bill Hickok. Wow, small world we live in at times.

[@kenthawley5990]

From his speech, you can tell why he was so successful--articulate, expressive, and concise.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

And a great raspy voice.

[@tomraw4893]

Fascinating...I never would have thought I would hear a voice from 1898.

[@jayham1970]

My grandfather (born in 1879) was called up for service in the Spanish American War. Before he could get his full conscription orders, he was waved off for service- the war was lever. I always found that family story amazing because I am only 52 years old. My family tends to have children way later in life.

[@aimeefriedman822]

My grandfather in Puerto Rico must have fought or just slipped by the Spanish American War. I, also am in my 50's but my mother (95), is the youngest of 16!

[@Graf_Leo_von_Caprivi]

How can your grandfather be born in 1879?! 🤔 My mother was born in 1967 (you in 1970) and her grandmother was born in 1920. 😵‍💫

[@aimeefriedman822]

@@Graf_Leo_von_Caprivi If you're talking to me, my mom was born in 1928. SHE IS THE YOUNGEST OF 16 IN PUERTO RICO. The oldest Aunt's were born in the early 1900's. Looking at old Census records, we can only find estimates (I don't think they're completely accurate). My Spanish grandfather had to be born around 1880+5? He was alive when my oldest brother was born in '57.

[@Silver_Owl]

@@Graf_Leo_von_Caprivi President Tyler, born March 29th 1790 still has a living grandson as of today, January 24th 2023. Nearly 233 years. Among other children, he fathered a son, Lyon, born in 1853, and Lyon had three sons, two of whom lived to adulthood - Lyon Jr born 1925 and Harrison born 1928. Lyon Jr died in 2020, Harrison is still alive.

[@agurobe]

@@Graf_Leo_von_Caprivi President Tyler was number ten president and just until a few years ago he had two living biologiical grandsons who were alive still. President tyler was president in the early 1840's.the reason is is if you have children in your 70's and they have children in their 70's your grandchildren will be far and away in age from you.

[@vespelian]

My great grandfather saw his show in England as a boy. He later worked for William Randolph Hurst and lived in Hollywood as a script writer.

[@looneylozzer]

My friend is the great grandson of bill Cody . His grandfather, Mozart Cody, died on the first day of the battle of the Somme on the 1st July 1916 , and is buried at Serre road cemetery number2 in France.

[@irishlad8797]

Wow imagine having those guys in your family history amazing

[@debrapaulino918]

I've learned so much in the last 20 yrs I will treasure. It's the background of our family heritage, struggles, and history. RIP.

[@gaillouise8310]

My son's father was a Cody and he is related thru Cody's brother, not a direct line but close. He gave my son books on Cody and was quite proud of the relationship.

[@edwardoleyba3075]

What was he doing in Europe? The Americans didn’t enter WWI until 1917.

[@m.cliffordswittsendproduct2380]

That's awesome!

[@oldfogey4679]

Buffalo bill was a friend of my great grandfather ! Hearing so much about him growing up I'm Glad I got to hear his voice!

[@Glorindellen]

My great grandmother rode on his lap once on the stage, going into Cody from the south fork where he had a ranch and her family had a sawmill.

[@Cissy2cute]

What an impressive voice. It's obvious he was a very intelligent person. Can't believe we can now listen to this famous man from the past. Imagine being in his presence as he spoke. An experience of a lifetime.

[@sungeek1]

My father grandmother and grandfather met him and Sitting Bull. According to my dad. Who was just a youngster at the time. They were over for dinner, and Sitting Bull asked to buy my grandmother because he was so impressed with her cooking. This terrified my grandmother, but it was later explained that it was really a great compliment. Now, all just lost in time. P.s.see down the comments. May have been great grandpa and grandma..

[@MrTruckerf]

Wonder how much he was willing to pay?

[@___HH___]

Were you sitting when you wrote that bull? Just wondering.

[@sungeek1]

@hh asked if I was I stilling when I wrote this.. Yeah.. Sure, I was. Bad knees from too many jumps. It's kind of funny since another family story takes about how a few years earlier, the family fought in the Indian wars that took place in Southern Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. With the Wetzel's and a future president of the United States. Madison I believe. Verbal history painted the Wetzel's as Vicious tough men. Given the attacks, killings, and personal loss that was going on with the Indians, I guess I can't blame them. Personally, I always wondered how and why he invited them over for dinner. Given the family history and all. Maybe it was to show the family a real side showman and a real Indian. My great grandpa was some man of influence at the time, and as Bill and Sitting Bull were traveling around the country doing shows. I guess he was just being polite and possibly curious. I never recalled, When the story was told any amount of money that was offered, Just the offer to buy

[@mywienersyoumusttouch6446]

@@___HH___ , stop being a troll

[@ZephaniahL]

Wow! Sitting Bull died in 1890, so that is a very long time ago indeed. Are you quite sure your father met Sitting Bull?

[@dennistyler9852]

My great Uncle William “Bill” Tyler lived in 3 centuries, 1899-2004. A WW1 Veteran. Thank you for bringing history alive.

[@robt3305]

So great to be ablevto hear his voice. My dad was born in the town named for him, Cody, WY, in 1920.

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

My great grandpa was a performer in Bill’s Wild West show.

[@HistoryHeights]

Very cool! What did he do in the show?

[@alecwilliams7111]

As a kid, I thought of Cody as my favorite Wild West Hero. It became fashionable later to put Cody down, and my father--although he had met Cody as a child--lost respect for him. Fortunately, a recent biography that was based on in depth research, redeemed Cody. He was as good as his legend, and although he wasn't modest about his life, he never made anything up out of whole cloth--as the author put it. Thanks for running this valuable historical item. Some heroes are as good as their legends.

[@HistoryHeights]

My research of Cody has revealed things I dislike and things I question, but more things I admire and respect. I imagine that a look into my own life would bring "mixed reviews", too!

[@Grossman2868]

let's not forget he was a man of his times as well as a visionary, he started the protection of Bison, sympathized with the Native Americans and fought for them to be a part of his show.

[@markweber5296]

My grandfather knew Bill Cody when he would come to Cheyenne with his wild west show .He always talked about his long hair and a saloon he would frequent often. My grandfather actually was nominated to run for sheriff by Cody. I saw the letter that he wrote in this regard when I was a whipper snapper. My grandfather spoke very highly of Annie Oakley but I think the hard drinking was a reason him and Bill parted ways.

[@kayc2579]

@@Grossman2868 actually he was a part of Lincoln's (Grant, Sheridan and Sherman) genocide of the native Americans of which the killing of the buffalo was the primary strategy. Perhaps he repented after the success of the slaughter of all buffalo south of Canada and the destruction of the indigenous people

[@jivetalk1045]

This is so cool to hear the actual voice of Buffalo Bill.

[@glencoe6305]

I visited his Grave when I was a Teen. We drove all the way up to Lookout Mountain to his Gravesite and threw some change on it. First time in that area and the last time. I watched every movie about him, bought books and even done a Book Report on him in School. He amazed me. He was a Pony Express rider when he was young. Thanks for allowing us to hear his Voice.

[@gregtennessee8249]

Trump lost!! January 6

[@dreamcatcher5502]

Where is his grave ? I would think it's in Cidy, WY 🤔

[@michaelgarland1337]

Thank you for a chance to hear Buffalo Bills voice , that was pretty cool 😎 !!!

[@Pro-Deo]

This is a rare gem. Thanks for sharing it! It blew me away! His voice was nothing like I would have thought it to sound like. He was eloquent and refined. He reminded me of a great statesman from long ago.

[@johngorentz6409]

It reminds me a little of FDR's voice, but maybe I'm not making fine enough distinctions as some people might do.

[@Pro-Deo]

@@johngorentz6409 I agree!

[@fergalohearga9594]

@@johngorentz6409 I agree as well!

[@jameskavanagh4315]

My sentiments too. It’s amazing how ways of talking change over the years. I don’t even think he sounds that American by todays standards.

[@robertjwilliams3532]

he was eloquent and refined - - - Makes me wonder,,, is this recording real??? of fake...

[@sandrataylor3723]

My grandmother was born in 1890, so she was 8 years old when this was recorded. I can remember singing the song "Buffalo Bill won't you come out tonight and dance by the light of the moon" with her during my childhood.

[@s.t.martin7939]

@Sandra Taylor What Special Memories with, and of, Your Beloved Grandmother. 😌 Thanks for Sharing! (I/We Blessedly had 2 Grandmothers, and Grandfathers, to Share Special Memories!)

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

That's BUFFALO GIRLS, not Bill.....

[@avant0211]

@@donaldcarpenter5328 I always heard it as Buffalo Gals...

[@razmo21]

@@avant0211 You are correct. It’s Buffalo gals.

[@razmo21]

@@donaldcarpenter5328 Buffalo GALS

[@diego-search]

I was fortunate to hear lifelong outdoor showman, Pete Kortes, describe (he was 9 years old) how "America's Greatest American" addressed/introduced himself to his audience, (without electronic amplification) allowing each syl-la-ble enough time and space to reach the top balcony, connecting to each person and making them HIS audience, before the show even started, in anticipation of the wonders to follow. Thank you for posting this recording.

[@johnbaughman8816]

What a national treasure! May I strongly suggest seeking out a recording lab with the technology to remove the hiss and noise to clarify his voice in the audio. To hear an unblemished recording of such a historical person would be remarkable.

[@HistoryHeights]

Try this version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXq4pXqJr6ihr68

[@dennywayne8879]

I totally agree. It can be done.

[@elfiefromangelcity6142]

I kind of like it this way. But it would also be nice to hear it clearly. But I don't mind the crackle. It reminds me of my dad's records.

[@brandywinelady7235]

@@HistoryHeights Oh my gosh! 200% better!

[@yodasmomisondrugs7959]

William Cody is a Uncle on my family tree through a marriage. Thanks for letting me hear the voice in which my father and I were named.

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

Very cool. This was recorded the year my dad was born. As a boy I knew an old friend of our family who rode w/ Teddy Roosevelt at San Juan Hill , I think he lived to be 104 and at one time he was the 2nd oldest American veteran. (He was always touchy about his age because as a boy he lied about it to get in the service and it haunted him his whole life)

[@SpanishEclectic]

My husband's grandfather told us how his father's family ran a boarding house on the East Coast, and that Buffalo Bill and some of the WW show folk stayed there. Apparently my husband's great-grandfather, age 7, sat on Annie Oakley's lap as they all listened to Bill tell stories out on the front porch. I've done much reading about Cody and his associates, including his Autobiography and the one his wife, Louisa, wrote about him. I always find it sad that she outlived her husband and all of her children. I adore old photographs, and among my favorites are those of Bill and the WW show riders in full costume, on the beach in San Francisco (1902, I think), with Cliff House in the background. I'll have to listen to this recording again. Thank you for sharing it with us all.

[@gunfisher4661]

Wasn`t there another famous women sharp shooter that was in the Wild West show for short time. She was competition to Annie Oakley thru the years but never acquired the same fame. Margo Smith maybe I know the last name is Smith for sure.

[@doorguru168888]

@@gunfisher4661 Lillian Smith. She quickly became a national star. She may not have become as big of a celebrity as Oakley, but she came close. And she had plenty of bragging rights of her own. It is said that Mark Twain came to the show just to see her performance.

[@karensky3456]

This recording really made the man real. I wish my father could have heard this. He was a great history buff. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@HistoryHeights]

You're welcome. Hearing a voice gives me a stronger impression, too.

[@funnypranker34]

People in the 1800s had a much better tone of voice compared to today. Much respect to this man

[@johndeeregreen4592]

He had a very deep voice; the recording just didn't catch it well from the microphones of the day. If you notice, too, he had a very Irish accent and cadence to his voice, given his farther being first generation Canadian, by Irish parents, Bill's accent is of no surprise. His mother was an American, however.

[@tclanjtopsom4846]

What a ridiculous generalisation

[@scottmattern482]

Lol you must have much better ears than I have

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

What about James Earl Jones?

[@MizzouRah78]

What about the "tone" was even remotely appealing?

[@jesusa9]

I was born and raised in Cuba now 55 living in USA always love the real life legend heroes like Cody,Oakley,sitting bull ,Wyatt Jesse etc. etc. etc knowing this about Cody and the Spanish/American war in Cuba make my Day ,Thanks for sharing 👍🏼👍🏼

[@LaptopLarry330]

“Buffalo” Bill Cody’s father was born in Canada, and for a short time in his childhood, the family moved to Mississauga, Canada to live. This background and experience had an important influence in the way he spoke as he grew up.

[@Glorindellen]

if he'd spent part of his childhood in Canada, that would explain why settling in northern Wyoming wasn't too cold for him.

[@Justme-qn2qw]

A lot of folks don't know how Buffalo Bill's shows ended. Buffalo Bill had finished a show and the entertainers loaded up on a train to go to the next stop. A train pulled over on a side rail about an hour out to let the famous showman go past. But the engineers misread a telegram saying there were two sections of cars. The second train had been slowed due to loading up the horses and gear. The pulled-over train got back on the tracks, gained speed and momentum. Then they saw the headlights, but could not stop. They hit the horse train head-on near Lexington, NC. The engineers of the train at fault actually jumped out and were never seen again. Annie Oakley and her husband were in the horse train. Annie was seriously injured and her hair turned gray overnight. It took about a year for her to recover. 100 horses were killed or had to be put down. Saddles and other gear were lost. Local people living near the tracks came to assist the injured. It was very sad. Bill actually sat down and wept when he saw the devastation. His own favorite horse, Old Pap, was killed. Bill personally reimbursed everyone for their loss, especially the Indians who helped with his show. He basically went bankrupt.

[@patrickbattaille2979]

Very good,I also confirm.I traced Sweating Creek and I believe the train wreck to be on the north side of I-85.It may have happened near a curve .Any more info?

[@patrickbattaille2979]

It is Swearing Creek

[@Justme-qn2qw]

@@patrickbattaille2979 The Davidson County Museum holds some show materials that were salvaged.

[@HistoryHeights]

There were show seasons after that tragedy, but it was a devastating blow.

[@soma4u289]

A Statesman like him the world today is truly lacking. Buffalo Bill your show goes on in hearts and minds.

[@debrakellerman7364]

I like the way you write. One thing though I thought such wonderful words and writing ability would be so much more awesome if directed to our Lord Jesus Christ.

[@davepeterschmidt5818]

@@debrakellerman7364 Keep your invisible friend nonsense to yourself please.

[@FDT000]

@@debrakellerman7364 🙄

[@USA92]

Omfg. So the scumbag who slaughtered so many gets some creepy guys to comment. May that man rot in hell to this day and long after.

[@maritzagonzalez1284]

Wow this was mind blowing. When I was in high school I had to write a paper based on the life of buffalo bill. I’m proud to say I got an A for my paper. Never in a million years I would had thought I would hear he’s voice. It’s been over 30 years since I graduated high school. Thank you so much. I subscribed.

[@-108-]

Aaah, so you're just a young anklebiter, isn'tchuh?

[@davidmay4014]

In 1972 I met a man that was in the the Wild West Show with Buffalo Bill. He was just a boy in the show. Great stories he shared. His name was Iam A. Bull. What a great name. I loved hearing Bill Cody's voice. Thank you.

[@HistoryHeights]

You're welcome! Thanks for sharing the fun story.

[@GoMommaGo]

His voice matches his face. This was a treasure to listen to! True History.

[@maryandersen4020]

Buffalo Bill brought the Wild West Show to Nevada MO twice. One of the features of the show was a young musical prodigy from Austria named David Mohr, who was able to play music after hearing it only once, and to play things backwards. Mohr settled in Nevada and became the music teacher. It was a happy arrangement. Since the school couldn't afford to buy music sheets, Mohr would listen to something, write it out, and make copies for the students.

[@MrTruckerf]

What an incredible talent. I have seen people on KZbin who can do the same thing.

[@johnwinstondarby]

The Cody family lived in my neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington. As a child I would listen to their family stories. Appreciate your posting this!

[@angieturner3183]

I live in North Platte Nebraska, the place where the Wild West Show began at Buffalo Bill's home at Scouts Rest Ranch in North Platte. I grew up with stories of Buffalo Bill!! I am very excited to hear this recording!!

[@JSB1882]

I love this! I'm really old and I wear my hair and facial hair like Buffalo Bill Cody. When I'm around people they'll ask what I do for living and I tell them that I do historical reenactments of Buffalo Bill around a four-state area - and I also have a Palomino horse. They always believe it but this helps in the sound of his voice!

[@HistoryHeights]

I am also a reenactor! It is a great honor and responsibility to portray the people who came before us.

[@godsowndrunk1118]

My Italian immigrant grandfather met Buffalo Bill in 1910, when Bill was walking by and noticed him baking bread in a prairie oven in his yard. Bill stopped and talked with him about how he used to use ovens like it when he was a scout out west. Grandpa told him he learned how when he was a cowboy in Texas. They spoke a few minutes, then said goodbye. Grandpa didn't know who he had talked to until the next day when he went to the Wild West show and saw the man he'd spoken to, ride in on a white horse.

[@roadamerica33]

This kind of content is facinating to me. I was going to be a history professor in my youth. These are the earliest recordings of historical figures. I also recall hearing Williams Jenning Bryant during his Presidential campaign against William McKinley in 1898. My great grandfather was born in 1896 and I can recall that he remembered Buffalo Bill and countless other historical figures. I was just blown away by the fact that he could remember historical figures alive and actions. History is not that far behind us. I was a small child in the early 80's when my great grandfather told me stories of Buffalo Bill when he was a small child. Remember this. Tell your children, grand children and great grandchildren about what you remember.

[@dorathedestroyer770]

Love being able to hear voices from 130 years ago.

[@joannagonzales3127]

Never knew that this recording even existed. Thank you for sharing it. I've always been fascinated with early american history,especially the old west and my first nation heritage.

[@samgamgee42]

Truly brings BB Cody to life.....awesome

[@JohnSmith-rn5tb]

I met an very elderly man in late 80s who ,as a child,had attended one of Buffalo Bill's Wild West shows-in Connecticut- claimed it an incredible sight/ performance w/ Native Americans, various Plains animals,performers of all sorts,etc!Nice old gent.

[@garymarzuki8391]

He sure doesn't sound the way I expected...very cool.

[@HistoryHeights]

I admit I was surprised, too!

[@coreycarlson4457]

My great uncle Floyd who was born in 1902, went to the Wild West Show when he was a child. He told me about it when I was a kid. Pretty amazing to think about now.

[@slowbro1337]

Sounds like a very well spoken gent and it's wild to think how old the recording is. Cool history

[@spindriftbeach6082]

Brilliant. As you say, the cadence of a Showman. Thank you

[@HistoryHeights]

You are welcome!

[@leebowens2631]

Just imagine this is the voice of a man who was a friend of the greatest gun fighter America ever produced not just a legend in death but a legend while he still walked the good earth that man being William Butler Hickok AKA Wild Bill Hickok .

[@carvinlambert6899]

I was a fixing to write something or another, about Bill... or Jane , both damn good shots with either pistol or rifle. ....when I read your note.. so I'll just sit back now, and hush up.

[@HistoryHeights]

Until I was researching Cody for my eBook, I did not realize how strong the connection was between Cody and Hickok. Their friendship and adventures together are quite a story on their own!

[@trixzitailz4151]

I used to collect records. I had some berliner records. I knew he made a recording but never heard it. It has to be super rare. Very few copies exist I'm sure. Thanks for posting it. It's like uncle Josh on the Spanish question recorded on disc in 1898 . Only recorded once. When the war was over it it would have been pointless. It's super rare too.

[@MrWest949]

I went to his gravesite last year, it was beautiful, its atop a mountain over Golden, Colorado. He had picked the site out himself and he and is wife are buried there. There's also a museum there and it has great views of Golden and Denver, it's also just a short drive from the Coors Brewery

[@lumo7461]

I went few years ago, it's well worth a visit.

[@MerumWinds]

As someone that's lived their whole life living at the foot of lookout mountain where he is buried and known about him my whole life it's amazing to hear him now too

[@carolreynolds3650]

This was chilling, I feel very privileged to listen to this remarkable man, thankyou for this.

[@Phono-fun]

I watched a great documentary that talked about how General Tom Thumb(Charles Stratton) is considered America's first celebrity superstar. That prior to Stratton only men with great noteworthy accomplishments would be considered celebrities similar of today. Military figures, politicians, preachers, not anyone being famous just for the sake of being famous. (Stage actors were just starting to get recognized nationally in the US prior to 1830.) That Stratton was the first household name in America without anything seriously backing his name. He became so popular he went on a world tour and became one of Queen Victoria's favorite performers. Presidents from Tyler, Polk, and even Lincoln had him perform at the White House.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

Respectfully, I disagree. The 19th century had two “Rock stars”, one of which died young and became the first to outlive his actual exploits. The second was the most famous and recognizable man on earth. George Armstrong Custer Samuel Langhorne Clemons (a.k.a. Mark Twain)

[@Phono-fun]

​@@Frankie5Angels150 Stratton is often considered the first household name without anything seriously backing him up. (He was Lincoln's favorite celebrity.) Stratton through P. T. Barnum became a household name almost 20 years before Clemons and a good 40 years before Custer.

[@petej.8676]

In our lifetimes we have made enormous progress when it comes to audio and video, and until just 100 years ago did we learn how to capture images and sound. To think of all the people who have come before us who we'll never know their face or voice and to be able to capture just one is priceless

[@HistoryHeights]

Yes yes yes! Thats the point of my excitement with old recordings and photographs!

[@rebelone132]

His grave site, above Denver, was one of the places I stopped on my first cross-country bike trip in 1989.

[@theinitiate110]

Amazing! As I sit and listen to this I am less than 20 miles away from Buffalo Bills grave here in Colorado.

[@darlenerichard1589]

WOW, what a treasure. My family is related to this remarkable man and it is no wonder we have turned out as we have. Thank you so much for discovering and sharing this.

[@HistoryHeights]

You're welcome!

[@davidforbes3855]

Thank you for your hard work in creating this historical documentary!

[@raymondparsley7442]

The human mind is pretty amazing, allowing us to hear a voice from the past and imagine being there and seeing there. Of course, a recording makes it all possible and your sharing it. Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show is a part of American history and culture shared the world over, it is nice to know we have friends extending from Europe to Australia that share our values, showing love and support for America. We love you back for sure.

[@HistoryHeights]

Well said!

[@clinthall5906]

My grandfather met Bill Cody when he visited Captain Grant Marsh in Bismarck, ND. My grandfather had been Captain Marsh's last cabin boy on Marsh's riverboat on the Missouri river.

[@TheBIGxG91]

I got to say, I was expecting a twangy cowboy voice, I did not expect a gentleman voice from him. I like hearing/seeing videos like this.

[@Be12397]

This is so cool for me to listen to because I wrote a report on him when I was in the 5’th grade. I remember being super fascinated by him at the time! Thanks for this. 🥰

[@HistoryHeights]

He's a fascinating character, for sure.

[@kelvinh8327]

Wow! I have little understanding of the topic, but what an amazing relic from the past.

[@HistoryHeights]

It makes me smile every time I listen to it.

[@nancycurtis488]

Oh, my God!! I am in total awe and in tears. Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea this existed. I have great-grandfathers who were born around the same time as this famous man…in France and in South Carolina and in Illinois but just to hear this man’s voice is almost more than I can stand. Thank you, thank you!

[@nancycurtis488]

And my Davis grandparents married in October of 1897 in southern Illinois and their first child, my daddy’s oldest sister, Delsie Davis, was born in 1898…….isn’t history amazing and wonderful!

[@MrTruckerf]

@@nancycurtis488 It is if you know it. Many people today don't know family history past their grandparents, if even that far back.

[@HistoryHeights]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this video. Making a personal connection to an era (or event or a person) can be very profound and moving.

[@mikenewman2661]

My Grandfather was able to see his show when it was held in the Fairbury Nebraska area.. Just a few years after this recording.

[@klakf]

My great grandfather, Edward Andrus, who went by the name of Farmer Andrus, performed with Cody in a few of his Wild West shows. His daughter, my grand aunt ,told me she remembered meeting him and asked her father why this man had long hair. It was wondrrful to hear him and realize it was the same voice my great grandfather heard so many years ago.

[@HistoryHeights]

Thanks for sharing your family story!

[@rachelcody3355]

That was amazing to listen to. I appreciate it. I married into the Cody family. I tried to trace the connection but best I could come to was a distant cousin relation to my late husband. My husband had the same eyes and nose as Bill Cody. He always dismissed it as no relation. I always wondered what the historic legends sounded like. The accents, the tone of voice. That is nothing like what Hollywood projected. Thank you for this. Just found your channel and subscribed.

[@HistoryHeights]

Thank you! It is rather scary to think that our impression of the Old West - or any other time, place or person in history - is so heavily influenced by Hollywood, isn't it? Yes, I prefer the real deal, too!

[@jackspring7709]

Fascinating. Believe it or not he sounded Exactly as I expected him to sound: from the pitch of his voice to even (what sounds to me like) slightly English (British) voice patterns. Thanks for posting this.

[@HistoryHeights]

You're welcome!

[@coppertopv365]

I can hear the public speaking cadence of his voice. Like politicians, church pastors, and other orators. I can hear a lil bit of gravel, but little bit higher picked then I would've guessed. He sound well educated and this was fascinating to hear. We can tell too that his English then was still just as understandable over 120 years later as if he's talking now. Very much appreciated hearing this

[@riparianlife97701]

Poets priests and politicians Have words to thank for their positions The Police "De Doo Doo Doo, De Da Da Da"

[@alanaw27]

I live in Central Scotland and my grandfather watched Buffalo Bill’s show travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow. He then went to Glasgow with his friends to see the show. There been quite a few old photos of this event on the newspapers and their web sites recently. I was 7 when my grand father died and i wish I could remember more of his story of the big arena and all the amazing horses and riders.

[@drtmvoss]

I didn’t know that voice recording was possible back then-how exciting!!!

[@MadameRaven1]

The change of accents over time is so fascinating.

[@meaowsandwhistles]

yes , i was thinking he sounds quite British or similar

[@chrismadden1935]

Incredible to hear the voice of such a significant historical figure.

[@spacecowgurl57]

Considering most of our ancestors weren't educated nor able to articulate in such a manner. Thank you! Absolutely fantastic 👏

[@sudilos1172]

A Smooth and Refined Voice. Perfectly respectable? It actually Inspires Respect.

[@tvvoice]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing this bit of history! My maternal Grandfather John Granville Martin actually saw the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show when he was a young boy! I recall his telling me of the various performers like Annie Oakley, Chief Sitting Bull, Wild Bill Hickok, Geronimo and the stage coach races.

[@HistoryHeights]

What a wonderful experience you had to hear those stories firsthand!

[@bruceedwards2069]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS GREAT AMERICAN HISTORY

[@philippemoi8082]

Wow ! RIP buffalo bill ! 🙏 from France 🇫🇷

[@jamespollock2500]

The MAN, the Myth, and a Legend in his own time. Thank You

[@sandrakisch3600]

My Cody relatives were cousins to Bill Cody. When I was a young girl, I had an elderly friend who had gone to the Wild West Show and shared his memories with him.

[@user-lo6cf3df1x]

How cool is that, got to love live history

[@RokDAWG1]

Voices of the past…THAT far in the past!! Wow! Very cool!

[@curtisscott02]

How you haven't been discovered by 60 minutes,48 hours,20\20 or any of the big crime dramas is beside me. I ran into this by accident and was blown away by how clearlY got articulaTed the information. I think I would pay to listen to you read from the phone book. Please pursue a career in this genre! Great work!

[@HistoryHeights]

You are most kind! I've had a lifetime of public speaking as a music performer, living history reenactor and more. But unfortunately, since I made this video, I had a diagnosis with tongue cancer and have had two partial glossectomy surgeries. I'm doing pretty well, but my speech will never be as clear as it once was. However, I made the decision to climb back on the horse and ride again. I'm beginning to upload new videos again, with imperfect speech, great enthusiasm, and profound thankfulness. This tells more of the story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3jSd5x_bK-HocU

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

I just found your channe and this is amazing to hear! Thank you! I hope you will continue to make videos and share your valuable information. Im a quilter and “quilting with Nancy”…. She had a stroke. She kept on going and was successful and we loved her for it! Never give up! You have a brilliant mind and a voice. Best wishes my friend.

[@bennettray22]

🙏🏻 for healing from your surgeries and thank you for sharing this audio with the world.

[@patricelecanu6150]

@@HistoryHeights big kiss ! watch you from france

[@drdisrespectwomen2451]

No, that friend "thinks" he is.

[@tomsmith5216]

That was really cool! Hearing the voice of one of my childhood frontier heroes. Thank you for posting this!

[@ronschramm9163]

I have a CD, buried somewhere in my history materials, of early recordings. One of them was Edwin Booth reciting Shakespeare.

[@sandybruce9092]

Really! OMG! I would love to hear him! Of course, many people probably know his brother better!

[@ronschramm9163]

Indeed. However, many people do not know, or care, that Edwin Booth saved Robert Todd Lincoln's life.

[@williambertels8257]

Amazing! I was named after this man courtesy of my history buff Father. My middle name is Cody. Thanks for uploading this.

[@12345678989814]

So interesting to hear his voice nothing like what I expected