Allan Sutton

Race Records and the American Recording Industry, 1919-1945: An Illustrated History (Paperback)

Description: From the author of Recording the 'Twenties and A Phonograph in Every Home, a fresh and unflinching look at the companies and individuals — black and white — who defied racial prejudice and entrenched business practices to make recordings for the long-overlooked African-American market. Race Records and the American Recording Industry debunks the old tales and explores the full spectrum of race records — from jazz, blues, and gospel to comedy and novelty numbers, mainstream pop, the classics, and even the occasional country-music offering. The primary focus is on the making, marketing, and distribution of race records prior to the late 1940s — exploring the ways in which those activities affected, and were affected by, conditions within the entertainment and recording industries as a whole — viewed within the context of changing social attitudes, economic conditions, and musical tastes. Based on more than ten years’ research of primary-source materials, including period trade journals, news reports, interviews, and original record company files, Race Records is a meticulously documented and richly illustrated study. Near excellent condition. Ships for the price of 3 records.

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