Music recorded in July 1921
July 1921 was a month in which the reorganization of the postwar order and the advancement of new political movements, medical research, and broadcasting culture were simultaneously observed. On July 2, Warren Gamaliel Harding (1865–1923) signed the Knox-Porter Resolution, legally ending the state of war between the United States and the German Empire and others. On July 11, the armistice of the Irish War of Independence came into effect, and on the same day, the establishment of the People's Government in Mongolia was celebrated, a day later remembered as Revolution Day. July also saw the start of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, opening a new chapter in Chinese political history. In medicine, July saw the first round of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine vaccinations at the Pasteur Institute, and at the end of the month, Frederick Grant Banting (1891–1941) and Charles Herbert Best (1899–1978) of the University of Toronto confirmed a reduction in blood sugar levels using pancreatic extract. Furthermore, the Jack Dempsey (1895–1983) vs. Georges Carpentier (1894–1975) fight on July 2nd demonstrated the growing social reach of radio broadcasting.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding the July 1921 recording.
In July 1921, despite the summer season, the recording industry saw active distribution and promotion, with activity not only from established major players but also from independent manufacturing and recording companies. Industry publications that month confirmed the expansion of sales channels and live demonstrations by Victor Talking Machine Co., Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co., Columbia Graphophone Co., Thomas A. Edison, Inc., OKeh Records, and Pathé. There were also reports of a partnership between Siemon Hard Rubber Co. and Jones Recording Laboratory, Cheney Talking Machine Co. exhibiting at trade shows, and Emerson Phonograph Co. announcing new recordings. July 1921 was a month in which not only was information about new recordings being released, but the distribution network, in-store displays, order processing systems, and recording outsourcing systems were all being developed simultaneously.
Simon Hard Lover / Jones Recording Laboratory
A July 1921 industry article reported that Siemon Hard Rubber Co. and Jones Recording Laboratory had partnered to launch an integrated system for manufacturing records for the industry, handling everything from recording to production. The article outlined a plan in which Jones Recording Laboratory would handle the recording and Siemon Hard Rubber Co. the production, which was significant as it established an independent contract recording and production network.
- https://archive.org/stream/V78J10/V78J%2010_djvu.txt
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Talking-Machine/20s/Talking-Machine-1921-07.pdf
Victor
The July 1921 issue of "The Talking Machine World" reported that demand for records remained strong in the Milwaukee market even during the summer, with robust sales including Victor Talking Machine Co.'s red seal records. Wholesalers also mentioned early orders for the fall, indicating that Victor was enjoying a stable supply through regional wholesalers and securing advance orders in July 1921.
Brunswick
The Milwaukee correspondent in the same issue reported that Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co.'s record and machinery sales were strong, with particularly high demand for dance records. Sales did not slow down during the summer, and orders continued to come in, suggesting that the company was expanding its market by focusing on popular repertoire.
Columbia
Los Angeles news agency reported that the managers of Columbia Graphophone Co.'s three Pacific Coast branches gathered in Los Angeles for a meeting on sales and operations. This confirmed that branch operations were being coordinated across regions, and in July 1921, Columbia was reviewing its sales network and promoting inter-branch cooperation.
Edison
In Los Angeles, it was reported that representatives from Thomas A. Edison, Inc. attended a meeting in Vancouver, and that Fitzgerald Music Co. conducted an Edison tone test in conjunction with Music Week. This confirms that in July 1921, Edison continued his sales promotion efforts by combining meetings and public demonstrations.
OK
In Cleveland, Kennedy-Green Co. ran an advertisement for its "Ever-Ready OKeh Service Station," prominently featuring the wide selection of OKeh Records. Records by John McCormack (1884–1945), Frieda Hempel (1885–1955), Mamie Smith (1883–1946), and the Norfolk Jazz Quartet were advertised as ready-to-buy items, demonstrating aggressive promotion by urban retailers.
putty
In Long Beach, it was reported that a newly built furniture store planned to become the sole distributor of Pathé products in the future. Documents from July 1921 confirm that Pathé was attempting to penetrate the local market through exclusive stores and departments.
Cheney
In Minneapolis, Cheney Talking Machine Co.'s machines were exhibited at a large-scale style show, gaining widespread recognition at the well-attended event. This confirms that Cheney was expanding its sales channels by using exhibitions to showcase its machines.
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Talking-Machine/20s/Talking-Machine-1921-07.pdf
- https://elibrary.arcade-museum.com/classic/Music-Trade-Review/1921-73-5/46
Emerson
In a July 1921 industry publication, Emerson Phonograph Co. informed the industry that they had hired Vernon Dalhart (1883–1948) and planned to include his recordings in their September catalog. While this was still a pre-release announcement in July, it can be seen as an attempt by the company to revamp its product lineup by employing a new singer.
