Music recorded in June 1914
June 1914 was a month in which the world was shaken simultaneously by political, social, cultural, and disaster events. In Canada, the passengers of the SS Komagata Maru were denied disembarkation at Vancouver Harbor, a symbolic event of the anti-immigration policy that led to continued tension. In Mexico, the forces led by Pancho Villa (1878–1923) won the Battle of Zacatecas on June 23, hastening the collapse of the Victoriano Huerta (1850–1916) regime. In Irish literature, James Joyce's (1882–1941) collection of short stories, *Dubliners*, was published in June 1914, marking its beginning as an important work of 20th-century literature. On June 25, the Great Salem Fire of 1914 broke out in Massachusetts, USA, leaving many residents homeless and unemployed. In France, Alexandre Félix Joseph Ribot (1842–1923) briefly served as prime minister in June, and political instability continued. Furthermore, on June 28, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este (1863–1914) and Sophie Chotek (1868–1914) were assassinated in Sarajevo, decisively deepening the diplomatic crisis in Europe.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information on recordings made in June 1914
In the recording industry in June 1914, Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was maintaining both cylinder and disc formats while expanding its supply of new releases and distribution network, Victor Talking Machine Company was strengthening its control over parts usage and patent defense, and Columbia Graphophone Company was launching recording projects tailored to dance demand. Furthermore, Pathé Frères was preparing for sales and manufacturing in North America, confirming that in June 1914, major companies were strengthening their respective markets for home record players and dance records.
Edison
The June 1914 issue of the Edison Phonograph Monthly featured an article by Thomas A. Edison, Inc. that was based on the premise of continued sales of Blue Amberol, announcing not only the Blue Amberol releases for June but also a supplementary list for August, scheduled for release on July 25th. The article emphasized the appearance of six new Edison singers, indicating that the cylinder division was continuing to be updated rather than shrinking. Other contemporary sources confirm that the Blue Amberol releases for June 1914 included popular songs, duets, and ceremonial recordings for fraternal organizations, catering not only to home entertainment but also to group demand. Furthermore, the same issue introduces "The Phonograph Company," a sales company based in Cleveland and Cincinnati, as a distribution hub handling both Edison's discs and cylinders, confirming that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was selling both media in parallel as of June 1914.
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Edison-Phonograph/Edison-Phonograph-Monthly-1914-Vol-12.pdf
- https://archive.org/details/edisonphonograph12moor
- https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/resources/detail/103
Victor
The June 15, 1914 issue of The Talking Machine World reported that the Victor Talking Machine Company was requiring buyers and retailers to provide proof that replacement soundboxes were for use exclusively with Victor machines and Victor records. This was a move to prevent the misuse of refurbished parts and to unify the management of machines, records, and patents. The same issue also reported that Frank K. Dolbeer (date of birth and death unknown), who had left Thomas A. Edison, Inc., would join the Victor Talking Machine Company on July 1, 1914, confirming that the company was already gaining competitive advantage in terms of personnel by June 1914. The same issue also included a notice of patent litigation against Thomas A. Edison, Inc., clearly demonstrating Victor Talking Machine Company's strong focus on maintaining its leadership in the recording equipment market.
Columbia
The June 15, 1914 issue of "The Talking Machine World" reports that the Columbia Graphophone Company has signed a contract with Joan Sawyer (dates of birth and death unknown) to oversee a special dance record series. According to the article, recordings by the Persian Garden Orchestra were already underway, and trade shipments had begun that month. The same issue also reveals that the Columbia Graphophone Company was promoting "four dance instruction records" as a summer sales promotion item, and that they were also conducting educational demonstrations in Toronto. In June 1914, the company was not only supplying new records, but also trying to expand its market from both the perspectives of ballroom dancing and educational demonstrations.
putty
The June 15, 1914 issue of "The Talking Machine World" reported that Pathé Frères had appointed a special representative in Canada and was working to establish a distribution system for Pathéphone and Pathé disc in Ontario. The article confirmed that they were aiming to establish wholesale agents in each province, and that they were also setting up a new base in New York City in the United States, maintaining a recording studio and showroom while preparing to establish a pressing plant in Brooklyn. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that in June 1914, the Pathé Frères group was on the verge of full-scale sales in North America, and was simultaneously launching distribution, recording, and manufacturing. However, this document alone does not allow us to confirm the specific number of titles released in June 1914.
