As entertainers, songsters had the task of enticing a public, to whom the concoctions were then offered. One  published in 1886 by Professor Lorman, "The Great Disease Detective" of Philadelphia. "The Lorman's Indian Oil Star Specialty SONGSTER" announced on the booklet's title page that it contained "an entirely new and original collection of Songs now being sung nightly by the members of the above named excellent company, together with all the popular Songs of the day."
As entertainers, songsters had to engage an audience, to whom they then presented their compositions. A publication from 1886 by Professor Lorman, "The Great Disease Detective" of Philadelphia, proclaimed that it included "an entirely new and original collection of Songs currently being sung nightly by the members of this esteemed company, along with all the popular Songs of the era."