Olly Oakley

Olly Oakley (1877–1943) (also known as Joseph or James Sharpe) was a British banjo player and composer. He was considered a prominent zither-banjo player in England. His music made up a part of early banjo recordings on the phonograph, and during his life, he became "the most widely recorded English banjoist". in 1877. He started to play the banjo around age 12 after hearing the Bohee Brothers' music. sentimental songs and original pieces.

From the late 1890s to the 1930s, Sharpe made hundreds of recordings During the 1910s, his compositions for banjo were played at various concert programs in England.

He made recordings including with Pathé and was filmed on Phonofilm.

In 1922, Sharpe published a statement in the London Gazette stating that he had applied and intended to legally change his name to Olly Oakley.

Sharpe died in 1943. "Oakley Quickstep", Edison "Poppies and Wheat" "Sweet Jessamine" No.2046 on The Winner label (Poppies & Wheat is on the other side) "Whistling Rufus" "The College Rag" "Queen of the Burlesque" (1912) – phonograph, music by A. Tilley