Music recorded in March 1919
March 1919 was a month in which the reorganization of the post-World War I order and popular movements in various regions progressed simultaneously. In Korea, the March First Movement began on March 1st, and demands for independence against Japanese rule spread throughout the country. In Egypt, the expulsion of the Wafd Party leader triggered a large-scale anti-British movement, and social unrest surfaced all at once. In Russia, the Third International was founded, proposing an international cooperation of revolutionary movements. In Central Europe, the Hungarian Soviet Republic was established on March 21st, and the post-war political vacuum led to radicalization. In Italy, on March 23rd, Benito Mussolini (1883–1945) founded the Fasci di Combattimento, shaping the starting point for what would later become fascism. Meanwhile, in North America, the first international airmail flight from the United States took place between Seattle and Vancouver on March 3rd, marking the beginning of a new era of transportation and communication in postwar society.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding recordings from March 1919
The recording-related materials available for March 1919 primarily consist of contemporary documents such as newspaper advertisements, retailer advertisements, and monthly supplements dated that month. It appears that major companies were expanding their market by highlighting new releases, playback mechanisms, compatibility, and installment payment options during this month. Below, we list only the recording-related companies and their sales strategies whose activities could be confirmed in documents dated March 1919.
Victor
The Victor Talking Machine Company advertised "Victor Records of March" in a retailer's ad dated March 4, 1919, promoting its monthly releases, including those by Harry Lauder (1870–1950). Furthermore, a commentary from the Library of Congress confirms that Harry Lauder was prominently featured in the company's March 1919 supplement, indicating that the promotional efforts linking post-war sentimentality with entertainment demand continued into this month.
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=INN19190304-01.1.7
- https://blogs.loc.gov/now-see-hear/2018/11/how-to-sell-war-and-peace/
Columbia
In an advertisement dated March 10, 1919, the Columbia Graphophone Company advertised "New Columbia Records" and sold that month's releases along with Columbia Grafonolas. This confirms that, at least in March, sales efforts were integrated with promoting new releases and selling record machines.
Edison
In an advertisement dated March 25, 1919, Thomas A. Edison, Inc. advertised the "New Edison Model Sheraton" for $175, highlighting the new mechanism of the Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph. This confirms that by late March 1919, the company was pursuing a sales strategy that emphasized not only the recordings themselves, but also the furniture-style cabinet models.
putty
In an advertisement dated March 15, 1919, Pathé Frères Phonograph Company promoted Pathé records as being "playable on any phonograph." Documents from the same month also show information about selecting any record and installment payments, indicating that compatibility and ease of use were important considerations in sales in March 1919.
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=INN19190315-01.1.8
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=INN19190301-01.1.2
Brunswick
In an advertisement dated March 14, 1919, the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company promoted the "Brunswick reproduction method," highlighting the reproduction method itself as a differentiating factor. This confirms that, as of March, the company was focusing on sound quality and mechanical uniqueness as the core of its sales strategy.
Vocalion
The Aeolian Company's Vocalion was advertised on March 14th and March 19th, 1919, highlighting its unique features and installment payment options. This confirms that, at least in mid-March, the Vocalion was continuously promoted as an independent brand.
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=INN19190314-01.1.16
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=INN19190319-01.1.28
OK
Okeh Records had a sales advertisement prominently featuring records in the March 21, 1919 issue of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. This indicates that the label was being treated as an independent target in the retail market at least as early as late March.
Emerson
Emerson Records' store advertisement, clearly stating its price, can be found in the March 12, 1919 issue of The Champaign Daily Gazette. This is considered contemporary evidence indicating that the records were circulating in local markets as of March.
Sonora
Sonora Phonograph Co. advertised on March 6, 1919, that their phonographs "perfectly reproduce all records." This confirms that, as early as March 1919, the company considered compatible playback a key selling point.
