Ben Edwards (c. 1884 – June 17, 1954) was an American music publisher and long-time vaudeville talent agent of German birth.
Born Benjamin Schmelowsky in Posen, Germany, Ben Edwards was the brother of songwriters Leo Edwards and Gus Edwards, and vaudeville songstress Dorothea Edwards.[1] In 1891 he traveled to the United States with his family on the steamship Spaarndam, arriving at the Port of New York on 29 July 1891.[2] The family settled in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.[1]
Ben Edwards served as his older brother Gus's agent and publisher; managing the Gus Edwards Music Company for fourteen years and booking his brother for vaudeville performances.[3] He expanded into managing the careers of other top vaudeville acts in addition to booking gigs for his other siblings; becoming one of the top vaudeville bookers of the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s.[1][3]
Edwards died in New York City at the Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in 1954 at the age of 70.[1] He was married to Ethel Edwards. Their daughter was the singer and songwriter Joan Edwards.[3]
