Music recorded in December 1923
December 1923 was a month of simultaneous political restructuring, currency stabilization, expansion of broadcast culture, and evaluation of medical research. In the British general election on December 6, the Conservative Party, led by Stanley Baldwin (1867–1947), remained the largest party but lost its single-party majority, resulting in a parliamentary composition that would lead to the formation of the Ramsay MacDonald (1866–1937) government the following year. On December 10, Robert Andrews Millikan (1868–1953) received the Nobel Prize in Physics, and Frederick Grant Banting (1891–1941) and John James Rickard Macleod (1876–1935) received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their research on insulin, making the progress of science and medicine visible internationally. In Germany, on December 22, Hjalmar Schacht (1877–1970) became the president of the Reichsbank, and progress was made in rebuilding the monetary system after hyperinflation. In the Union of South Africa, the first experimental radio broadcast took place in Johannesburg on December 18, marking a milestone in broadcasting history. In the United States, the Senate investigation into the Teapot Dome scandal continued throughout December, further solidifying concerns about oil interests and political corruption in society. In Egypt, work on Tutankhamun's tomb by Howard Carter (1874–1939) and others continued into early December, further increasing international interest in archaeology.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding recordings from December 1923
Based on contemporary industry documents from December 1923, Columbia Graphophone Co. was promoting records via broadcast in preparation for the holiday shopping season, while Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was preparing to distribute a new phonograph catalog. Furthermore, The Aeolian Company's Vocalion announced the introduction of European sound sources, and Starr Piano Co.'s Gennett Records were running year-end promotions. Sales companies were also setting up listening rooms and free concerts across multiple brands of phonographs and records, suggesting that December 1923 was a month in which sales, promotion, and demonstrations in the recording industry were strongly at the forefront.
Columbia
The December 15, 1923 issue of "The Talking Machine World" featured an article titled "Columbia Co. Advertising Records by Radio," in which George W. Hopkins (dates of birth and death unknown) issued a directive outlining a policy to promote artists or orchestras affiliated with Columbia Graphophone Co. through Station WEAF. This confirms that in December 1923, the company was clearly pursuing an advertising strategy that linked record sales with radio exposure.
Edison
The same December 15, 1923 issue of "The Talking Machine World" contains an article about the "New Edison Phonograph Catalog," indicating that preparations were underway for the new Edison phonograph catalog to be distributed to various locations through district sales representatives in major cities. It can be said that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. in December 1923 was preparing its printed materials and sales network in anticipation of the year-end demand season.
Vocalion
The December 15, 1923 issue of "The Talking Machine World" featured an article titled "First Vocalion European Records Announced," in which O.W. Ray (dates of birth and death unknown) arranged for Vocalion, a subsidiary of The Aeolian Company, to introduce European recordings to the American market. This confirms that in December 1923, the company was expanding its catalog not only through domestic recordings but also through the introduction of overseas recordings.
Jennette
The December 15, 1923 issue of "The Talking Machine World" featured an article titled "Gennett Christmas Records," indicating that Gennett Records, a label of Starr Piano Co., was conducting nationwide pre-sales campaigns in time for the holiday season. This confirms that in December 1923, the company was promoting recorded music as a Christmas-themed product, separate from its usual new release announcements.
Danes-Bebe
The December 1, 1923 issue of the Music Trade Review reported that Daynes-Beebe Music Co. planned to hold free monthly phonograph concerts in its new hall. The article stated that in addition to a Chickering & Sons piano, phonographs from Victor Talking Machine Co., Thomas A. Edison, Inc., and Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. would be used, indicating that demonstrations of products from multiple companies were being conducted at sales locations.
Stewart
The December 1, 1923 issue of the Music Trade Review features an article about the new Stewart's Music House in Warren, Ohio, reporting that it carried phonographs and records from Victor Talking Machine Co. and Thomas A. Edison, Inc., and had ten record listening rooms. It also mentions a special demonstration of a Radio Corporation of America receiver by a factory representative, confirming that the store in December 1923 combined phonographs, records, and radios in the same space.
