Had any of those pre-recording entertainers been even remotely close to making a living off it? Outside of apex apex courts?
I guess busking has existed in many societies, but that's hardly making a living, and certainly not middle class.
Weddings, funerals and birthdays, that's where i see community contribution, not full time professionals. Perhaps community contribution involving a little side income, but chances are, in pre-recording days, not even that. Not much other entertainment possibilities to spend your Sunday on other than being part of the band.
(it's funny how middle class is often portaied as a modern achievement, when the past is so full of examples of population that isn't the ruling elite, but economically still far above another layer of dropouts that would just move from opportunity to opportunity until an early death, at least unless they end up at some form of monastery)
They lived from it, full stop. It was middle class sort of occupation. You was not rich nor poor, you was respected but not a leader.
> Weddings, funerals and birthdays, that's where i see community contribution, not full time professionals.
These were definitely professionals and these events were seen as important. Even if you was poor, you threw money on it. People in the past had ears just like we do. The amateur singing after 5th beer is fun for singers, but not fun for anyone else.
> Not much other entertainment possibilities to spend your Sunday on other than being part of the band.
They had plenty of opportunities, we did not invented fun. All generations before us had fun. Socializing and drinking would be the easy straightforward one. Listening to a professional band as you drink and chat.
I guess busking has existed in many societies, but that's hardly making a living, and certainly not middle class.
Weddings, funerals and birthdays, that's where i see community contribution, not full time professionals. Perhaps community contribution involving a little side income, but chances are, in pre-recording days, not even that. Not much other entertainment possibilities to spend your Sunday on other than being part of the band.
(it's funny how middle class is often portaied as a modern achievement, when the past is so full of examples of population that isn't the ruling elite, but economically still far above another layer of dropouts that would just move from opportunity to opportunity until an early death, at least unless they end up at some form of monastery)