Music recorded in December 1915
December 1915 was a time when the end of an exposition, the continuation of war, the celebration of science, and political instability all coincided. In San Francisco, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition closed on December 4th, bringing to a close a period of heightened urban culture and technological displays. On the same day, Henry Ford (1863–1947) set sail on the Oscar II, carrying a peace mission, making the private peace movement an international topic. In the scientific sphere, William Henry Bragg (1862–1942) and William Lawrence Bragg (1890–1971) were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1915 for their X-ray crystal structure analysis, and Richard Willstätter (1872–1942) for his research on plant pigments. In China, Yuan Shikai (1859–1916) declared his acceptance of the monarchy on December 12, and on the 25th, Cai E (1882–1916) raised an army, marking the start of the National Guard War. In Europe, the withdrawal of the Anzac region from the Gallipoli Campaign was completed on December 19–20, marking a turning point in the protracted war.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding the December 1915 recording.
In December 1915, contemporary documents in the recording industry confirm the activities of Thomas A. Edison, Inc. and Columbia Graphophone Company in preparation for the year-end sales season. Thomas A. Edison, Inc., in particular, was pushing its cylinder division as the core of its year-end sales, and was actively engaging with retailers and strengthening sales promotions. As for Columbia Graphophone Company, industry publications confirm the continued supply of new releases for December.
Edison
The December 1915 issue of "Edison Phonograph Monthly" announced a policy to dedicate the magazine to the Edison Diamond Amberola and Edison Blue Amberol Records, and the promotion of the cylinder division was brought to the forefront for the holiday season. The issue urged retailers to prepare their store inventory, displays, demonstration machines, and customer service systems for the holiday season, and also featured a seasonal repertoire called "Christmas Blue Amberols." Furthermore, a letter dated December 29, 1915, under the name of Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931), stated that cylinder sales in November 1915 had increased by 29 percent compared to November 1914, clearly indicating a continued strengthening of the cylinder division. In addition, as can be seen in later issues, a lawsuit was filed on December 17, 1915, against Timke Distributing Corporation in New York and John J. Brophy (dates of birth and death unknown), and on December 30, a judgment was issued prohibiting the use of the name "Edison." It can be said that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. in December 1915 was simultaneously strengthening its cylinder sales and protecting its trademark.
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Edison-Phonograph/Edison-Phonograph-Monthly-1915-Vol-13.pdf
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Edison-Phonograph/Edison-Phonograph-Monthly-1916-Vol-14.pdf
Columbia
The November 15, 1915 issue of "The Talking Machine World" contains the Columbia Graphophone Company's "December 1915 Record Bulletin," confirming the supply of new releases for December. At least A-1848 "Back Home in Tennessee" was included in this monthly announcement. Based on the contemporary sources that can be confirmed, it can be said with certainty that the Columbia Graphophone Company continued to supply new monthly releases even in the end of the year in December 1915.
