Music recorded in May 1922
In May 1922, the world was simultaneously undergoing adjustments to the post-World War I order and the establishment of new institutions and technologies. The Conference of Genoa concluded on May 19, with the reconstruction of the European economy and relations with Soviet Russia being the main points of discussion. On May 15, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled the Child Labor Tax Act unconstitutional, demonstrating the limits of federal power. At the end of May, cooperation between the University of Toronto and Eli Lilly and Company materialized, and mass production of insulin began. On May 26, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870–1924) suffered his first stroke, casting a long shadow over the future of the Soviet regime. On May 29, the United States Supreme Court ruled that professional baseball does not constitute interstate commerce, and the following day, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding the May 1922 recording.
In May 1922, the recording industry saw simultaneous efforts to address the rapid growth of radio and to strengthen demonstrations and promotions at sales locations. Industry magazines from that month reveal that record companies and phonograph companies were beginning to consider their relationship with broadcasting, retailers were trying to boost demand through concerts and in-store promotions, and distribution and special sales systems were being meticulously restructured. Below, we will organize the activities of companies and groups that can be confirmed in the documents from that month.
Edison
The May 15, 1922 issue of "The Talking Machine World" featured an article titled "Charles Edison Discusses Radio," confirming that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was directly discussing the spread of radio. This article indicated that the phonograph industry would not be immediately severely impacted, showing that the company recognized radio as both a competitor and a new market that could not be ignored as of May 1922.
Victor
According to the May 20, 1922 issue of the Music Trade Review, Victor Talking Machine Co. was preparing to hold an invited concert at Carnegie Hall in early June to coincide with the industry convention. C.G. Child (dates of birth and death unknown), head of the recording division, was putting together the lineup, confirming that the company was not only supplying new releases but was also conducting large-scale external publicity aimed at the entire industry as early as May 1922.
Columbia
Similarly, the May 20, 1922 issue of the Music Trade Review reported that T.B. Niles (dates of birth and death unknown) had moved from the Pittsburgh branch to the New York headquarters, where he would be responsible for special sales operations and editing the company's internal publication, Columbia Record. This indicates that Columbia Graphophone Co. was strengthening its sales promotion and distribution support core at its headquarters in May 1922, suggesting an emphasis on maintaining and expanding its distribution network.
OK
In the Okeh line of General Phonograph Corp., a clear rapprochement with radio can be seen in May 1922. The May 20, 1922 issue of the Music Trade Review reports that Lambert Friedl (dates of birth and death unknown), who was in charge of the Okeh wholesale division, retired and founded Triangle Radio Supply Co., Inc. Furthermore, the May 15, 1922 issue of The Talking Machine World reports that the company's new subsidiary, General Wireless Corp., will begin manufacturing and importing wireless products, indicating that the record distribution network was beginning to expand into radio-related merchandise.
- https://elibrary.arcade-museum.com/classic/Music-Trade-Review/1922-74-20/37
- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Talking-Machine/20s/Talking-Machine-1922-05.pdf
Black Swan
The May 15, 1922 issue of "The Talking Machine World" featured an article titled "Black Swan Artists Broadcast," reporting that the Black Swan Troubadours had appeared on the radio in New Orleans to great acclaim. By May 1922, Black Swan Records, a label owned by the Pace Phonograph Corporation, was already incorporating broadcasting into its advertising strategy to expand record sales, making it a Black-owned label.
Vocalion
The May 20, 1922 issue of the Music Trade Review reported that Cluett & Sons of Troy, New York, held daily Vocalion concerts during Music Week. The Aeolian Company's Vocalion directly boosted demand through in-store events and appearances by resident singers, and live performances played a crucial role in sales promotion in May 1922.
