Document Records facts for kids

Document Records is a special music company. It started in Austria and is now based in Scotland. This company finds and re-releases old blues and jazz music. They help keep these classic songs alive for new listeners. The Blues Foundation gave them an award in 2018. This award is called the "Keeping the Blues Alive Award." Document Records is the only company in the UK to get this honor.

History of Document Records

How It Started

Document Records was created in 1986 by a person named Johnny Parth. He used to own another music company called Roots Records. Johnny started Document Records in Austria. His goal was to share old blues and gospel music that had not been released before. This music was from before a big musicians' strike that happened between 1942 and 1944.

From LPs to CDs

In 1990, Johnny Parth decided to change how the music was released. They stopped making LPs (large vinyl records) and started making CDs. With this change, they began putting out full collections of music. These collections were put in order by when the songs were first recorded. More and more music was released under the Document Records name.

Expanding the Music Collection

The company's new plan was to re-release as many recordings as possible. These recordings were listed in a special book called Blues and Gospel Records: 1890–1943. Document Records also started to include other types of old American music. This included bluegrass, spirituals, jazz, and other country music styles. These songs were recorded between 1900 and 1945.

New Owners and Location

Since the year 2000, Document Records has been owned by Gary and Gillian Atkinson. The company is now based in Newton Stewart, Scotland.

Special Recordings

Document Records has special permission to use many old recordings. These include music and other sounds made by Edison Records. These recordings were made between 1914 and 1929.

Artists and Music

Document Records has re-released music from many important blues and jazz artists. They help make sure that the music of these talented musicians can still be heard today. Some of the many artists whose music they have shared include Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Muddy Waters.