Music recorded in July 1917
July 1917 was a month in which the prolonged war and political instability progressed simultaneously in various parts of the world. In Russia, following the July Uprising, the Russian Provisional Government was reorganized, and the regime centered around Aleksandr Kerensky (1881–1970) strengthened. In Britain, on July 17, George V (1865–1936) changed the royal name to the House of Windsor, reflecting the rising anti-German sentiment in the monarchy. On July 20, the Corfu Declaration was issued, outlining the concept of a post-war unified South Slavic state. On July 22, the Kingdom of Siam declared war on the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, joining the Allied powers. In the United States, arrests of the National Woman's Party's Silent Sentinels continued, making the women's suffrage movement visible as a wartime political issue. On July 31, the Third Battle of Ypres began, further deepening the depletion on the Western Front.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding the July 1917 recording.
In July 1917, the recording industry continued with the supply of new releases, distribution of promotional catalogs, advertising campaigns, and maintenance of sales networks. Companies whose activities can be confirmed that month include Victor Talking Machine Co., Columbia Graphophone Co., Thomas A. Edison, Inc., Pathé Frères Phonograph Co., Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., Aeolian-Vocalion, and Sonora Phonograph Co. Not only record companies, but also companies involved in the sale and distribution of phonographs were active in their own ways during the summer sales season.
Victor
In July 1917, Victor Talking Machine Co. was active in both sales and recording. Newspaper advertisements from July show displays, demonstrations, and catalog distribution of Victor Talking Machine Co. products and Victrola. In terms of recordings, a recording of "Naval Reserve March" by Conway's Band (dates of birth and death unknown) can be confirmed as having been recorded on July 13, 1917, indicating that recording operations continued throughout that month.
- https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn87055779/1917-07-17/ed-1/?sp=3&st=text
- https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/matrix/refer/700005484
- https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/matrix/detail/700005405/B-20317-Goodbye_Broadway_hello_France
Columbia
In July 1917, Columbia Graphophone Co. can be seen continuing both its monthly catalog publication and recording activities. The actual July 1917 catalog still exists, showing that Columbia Graphophone Co. continued to publish new releases and product information every month. In addition, a recording record from Columbia Graphophone Co. dated July 31, 1917, also exists, indicating that recording activities continued until the end of the month.
- https://www.computerhistory.org/makesoftware/exhibit/mp3/
- https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/date/browse/1917-07-31
- https://www.discogs.com/release/6293152-Saxo-Sextette-Policy-King-March-All-Blues-Medley
Edison
In July 1917, Thomas A. Edison, Inc. continued to supply new 4-minute cylinder products. Arthur Fields (1888–1953)'s Edison Blue Amberol 3197, "Everybody Loves a “Jass” Band," is listed as a July 1917 release, indicating that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was releasing trendy cylinder products to the market during this period.
- https://www.clpgs.org.uk/four-minute-record.html
- https://calisphere.org/item/c4163275f9d7365a74734ed509e303be/
- https://www.loc.gov/collections/edison-company-motion-pictures-and-sound-recordings/articles-and-essays/history-of-edison-sound-recordings/history-of-the-edison-disc-phonograph
putty
In July 1917, Pathé Frères Phonograph Co. released new releases for the month. 20156 "Myona / Honeymoon Inn" by the Pathé Dance Orchestra (dates unknown) and 20161 "America, I Love You / The Donkey Trot" by the American Republic Band (dates unknown) are listed as new releases for July 1917, indicating that Pathé Frères Phonograph Co. continued to sell popular dance music and patriotic instrumental records.
- https://www.discogs.com/release/22029340-Path%C3%A9-Dance-Orchestra-Myona-Honeymoon-Inn
- https://www.discogs.com/release/14254708-American-Republic-Band-America-I-Love-You-The-Donkey-Trot
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Talking-Machine/10s/Talking-Machine-1917-12.pdf
Brunswick
In July 1917, Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. was actively advertising the sale of its phonographs. Newspaper advertisements from July highlighted that Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co.'s phonographs were manufactured in their own factory, that they offered daily demonstrations, and that they could play various types of discs. This shows that the company placed great importance on in-store demonstrations and highlighting the features of its products.
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=DT19170715.1.8
- https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=DT19170726.1.6
- https://www.wyomingnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=WYPWT19170713-01.1.4
Aeolian Vocalion
In July 1917, Aeolian-Vocalion continued its advertising and catalog promotions. The July advertisements prominently featured Aeolian-Vocalion's new models and their volume control mechanisms, suggesting that the company was trying to maintain its presence in the phonograph market even during the summer months.
- https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83045462/1917-07-29/ed-1/?sp=23&st=text
- https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5534092
- https://www.capsnews.org/capp/vocalion/vocalion.html
Sonora
In July 1917, Sonora Phonograph Co. was working to increase supply to its retailers. An article in a trade magazine from July 1917 urged Sonora Phonograph Co.'s retailers to place early orders in anticipation of wartime price increases, indicating that the company was working to maintain its sales network and prepare for the summer sales season.
- https://www.capsnews.org/capp/sonora/sonora.html
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Talking-Machine/10s/Talking-Machine-1917-07.pdf
- https://phonographia.com/Factola/Anywhere.htm
