Joseph Wagstaff

His father, Spencer George Wagstaff came from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He went to Detroit to work as an agent for the Grand Trunk Canadian National Railway. His father died in 1925 and his obituary lists him as leaving a widow and three sons, Earl, Sumner and Joseph. The obituary lists Joseph as a musical comedy actor.New York Times newspaper, {{#dateformat:April 19, 1925}} pg.26. Article called "John S. Sargent Buried." Wagstaff's father's obituary was in the same article.

In the 1930 U.S. Census Joseph Wagstaff was listed as a silent and sound film actor.1930 U.S. census.

• The Passing Show of 1923 - The play ran from {{#dateformat:June 14, 1923}} until {{#dateformat:September 15, 1923}} at the Winter Garden Theater in New York.[http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=8344 Internet Broadway Database]
• Billie - The play ran in New York from {{#dateformat:October 1, 1928}} until {{#dateformat:January 5, 1929}}. It was written, directed and produced by George M. Cohan. Wagstaff played the part of Jackson Jones.New York Times newspaper, {{#dateformat:October 2, 1929}} pg.34. Article called "Cohans Musical Billies is Spirited".
• Black Diamond - The play opened in New York on {{#dateformat:June 29, 1929}}.[http://www.ibdb.com/show.php?id=2057 Internet Broadway Database]
• Fine and Dandy - The musical opened on {{#dateformat:June 24, 1930}} at Erlanger's Theatre in New York. Wagstaff played the part of George Ellis.New York Times newspaper, {{#dateformat:September 24, 1930}} pg.26. Article called "The Play".

Song of Kentucky -1929 Joe played the part of Jerry Reavis and performed the songs "a night of happiness","sitting by the window","rapsody" and "don't blame me." Other actors in this film were Hedda Hopper, Dorothy Burgess, Herman Bing and Bert Woodruff. There was a sound track (record) available for this film.{{Citation needed |date=April 2021}}

Let's Go Places (1930), the working title of this was "Hollywood Nights", the name was changed along the way. This is said to be a lost film and I do not know if any copies are still in existence. The New York Times newspaper described this as being a singing talking film. Other actors in this film were Betty Grable, Lola Lane, Frank Richardson and Walter Catlett.New York Times newspaper, {{#dateformat:March 2, 1930}}, pg.121. Article called "Notes from the Studios and Theaters".

Wagstaff performed with the following orchestras and performers:

• Meyer Davis Orchestra
• Paul Whiteman Orchestra
• J.W. Sutton Club Orchestra
• Lillian Roth
• Beatrice Lillie
• Medrano and Donna
• There is a reference to Joe Wagstaff and Film Land but the sources are unclear.New York Times newspaper. {{#dateformat:January 21, 1932}}, pg.17 advertisement. {{#dateformat:March 2, 1930}}, pg.131 "The Microphone will present." {{#dateformat:July 7, 1932}}, pg. 20 "New Supper Club to open."

Joe was performing in the Detroit and Harbor Springs areas of Michigan until well into the 1990s in the summer months.

{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wagstaff, Joe}}

Category:Musicians from Detroit

Category:Year of birth missing

Category:Year of death missing

Category:20th-century American musicians