Gus Elen found his fame in 1891 with his performance of "coster" songs. His success was such that he was earning 250 pounds a week in 1900 (around £650,000 per year in 2001 currency). His
records are prized today as pithy and amusing stories of a lost generation of cockneys. Recorded titles include: If it wasn't for the 'ahses in between, Pretty little villa down at Barking, The Publican.
His all time classic is "Wait till the work comes round" containing the lines:
Put yer head back on yer pillow
And read yer Daily Mirror
And wait till the work comes round