Who was PT Barnum and why is he often referred to in music industry discussions?
by Jinjer Hundley Phineas Taylor Barnum (July 5, 1810-April 7, 1891) was the ultimate entertainment promoter and originated practices that are still standard in the live music industry today. Didn’t matter whether you were opera singer Jenny Lind (aka “The Swedish Nightingale”), General Tom Thumb, Jumbo the Elephant, or a bizarre hoax such as the Feejee Mermaid. All were promoted with equal fervor. Never mind Celine Dion or Elton John’s multi-million dollar long-term stints in Vegas. PT Barnum inked a deal to promote Jenny Lind’s 1850 American tour at $1,000 a night for one hundred and fifty nights– an unheard of number of shows at the time. All expenses including servants, carriages, and not more than three musical assistants were paid by PT Barnum, originating the practice of having the purchaser pay for expenses. He secured her by way of an $150,000 advance to her London bankers, instituting the practice of artists requiring deposits to book a show. PT Barnum promoted his ventures
