Broadway Records (1920s) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broadway Records |
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Broadway Records paper sleeve
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| Founded | 1920s |
| Founder | Bridgeport Die and Machine Company |
| Defunct | 1931 |
| Status | Inactive |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Country of origin | United States |
Broadway Records was an American company that made music records in the 1920s and 1930s. This record label was known for releasing many different kinds of music, especially Jazz.
The first Broadway records were made in the early 1920s. A company called Bridgeport Die and Machine Company, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, produced them. Many of these early records used original recordings, called masters, from another company named Paramount Records. Later, starting in 1924, Broadway Records also began using masters from Emerson and Banner.
Contents
Broadway Records: A Changing History
Broadway Records changed hands several times during its history. This was common for many record companies back then.
New Owners in Wisconsin
In 1925, the Bridgeport Die and Machine Company faced financial difficulties and closed down. The Broadway record label was then bought by a company called New York Recording Laboratories (NYRL). Even though its name sounds like New York, NYRL was actually located in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
NYRL was owned by the Wisconsin Chair Company. This company also owned Paramount Records. Most of the Broadway records made between 1925 and 1930 used masters from a company called Plaza.
Where Broadway Records Were Sold
Many Broadway records were sold at Montgomery Ward stores. Montgomery Ward was a very popular department store at the time. It is not fully known if Montgomery Ward was the only place to buy these records. Some records have even been found with the name of a Chicago drugstore printed on them.
New Recordings and More Changes
Starting in 1930, Broadway Records began using masters from Crown Records. They also used their own special recordings made in Grafton, Wisconsin.
However, NYRL also closed down in 1932. The Broadway label was then briefly taken over by the American Record Corporation (ARC).
The Final Years of Broadway Records
In late 1934 and early 1935, a new record company called Decca started up. Decca tried to produce a few old labels, including Broadway Records. These new Broadway records were part of a special series. The original recordings for these records came from Champion, which used masters from Gennett Records.
This last series of Broadway records did not last very long. It stopped being produced after 1935. It is likely that ARC and Decca took over Broadway to finish up an old agreement with Montgomery Ward.
Record Quality Over Time
The very first Broadway records, made by Bridgeport, were known for being well-made and sounding good. However, when NYRL (Paramount) took over, the quality of the records and their sound became less good. They were not as clear or well-pressed as other records from that time.
The Broadway records made by ARC had a similar quality to other labels like Melotone, Perfect, or Oriole. The final Broadway records made by Decca had the same quality as Decca's own records, which were generally good.
