Did You Know

Monmouth Beach was once home for two of the world’s most renowned musical talents — Albert Spalding (America’s first great solo violinist) and André Benoist (the famous piano accompanist) were borough residents during the first half of the 20th century.

    The skilled musical-team began their association in 1909, frequently touring the USA and the world to perform (Albert himself made 200+ transatlantic crossings before WWII). They also invited some of the world’s elite musical talent to rehearse in  Monmouth Beach — including George Gershwin, Enrico Caruso, Sergei Rachmaninoff, John Phillip Sousa, Oscar Hammerstein, Pablo Casals, and Jascha Heifetz. Lifelong friends, Spalding and Benoist died within weeks of each other in 1953.

    Albert’s family, uncle Albert G. and father James W. Spalding, founded the fabulously successful A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods company in 1876. Andre’s son, Albert Benoist, an Ivy League-trained architect, designed Wharfside condos and Monmouth Commons as well as the borough’s library, bathing pavilion and fire company addition. He died in his dad’s Valentine Street home in 2012.