美语词汇掌故第 5 课：Tinpan Alley-1

For many years, the expression 'tinpan alley' represented American popular music and writers and publishers of songs who made it great.

It was first used in the late 1800s on busy, crowded 28th street in New York City.

At that time, offices of music publishers lined both sides of the street.

Music from pianos inside the offices filled the air.

The music was played by piano demonstrators called song pluggers.

They played and sang the songs for orchestra leaders, singers and stars of musical plays, anyone who could use songs in public performances.

One day, a reporter from a New York newspaper visited the office of music publisher Hurry Woncuser.

The reporter, Monroe Rosenfeld, was planning a series of stories about American popular music.

During the visit, he heard someone playing Mr. Woncuser's piano.

The piano was old, and made songs like clanging metal.

To Mr. Rosenfeld the piano sounded like tinpans clashing together.

"Tinpan music. " he commented, "why? " He said at last, "The whole street is a tinpan alley. "