Music recorded in September 1923
September 1923 was a month marked by a convergence of disasters, political upheavals, and movements toward international cooperation. In Japan, the Great Kanto Earthquake struck on September 1st, causing widespread fires and building collapses, primarily in Tokyo and Yokohama. In Vienna, the International Criminal Police Commission was established on September 7th, advancing the institutionalization of cross-border police cooperation. In the United States, the Honda Point disaster occurred on September 8th, resulting in the grounding of seven US Navy destroyers. In Spain, Miguel Primo de Rivera (1870–1930) staged a coup on September 13th, establishing a military regime. In Bulgaria, the September Uprising further deepened political instability. In Germany, on September 26th, the Gustav Stresemann (1878–1929) government declared the cessation of passive resistance to the occupation of the Ruhr and urgently addressed the serious economic crisis. In the realm of sports, the match between Jack Dempsey (1895–1983) and Luis Ángel Firpo (1894–1960) on September 14th became an international sensation, further highlighting the growing popularity of popular entertainment.
Confirmed recordings this month: 0
Summary of information regarding the September 1923 recording.
Contemporary industry documents from September 1923 confirm that, in preparation for the autumn sales season, each company in the recording industry was working to improve their sales systems, revitalize their regional dealer networks, invest in promotional materials, and strengthen their supply chains. Reports indicate that Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was making personnel changes related to its sales system, while Victor Talking Machine Company was holding meetings for its regional dealers. The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company was seen preparing supplies for the West Coast and developing promotional materials, and Sonora Phonograph Company, Inc. was running promotional campaigns that highlighted the structural features of its equipment. Furthermore, at The Aeolian Company's Vocalion label, Ben Selvin's (1898–1980) recording activities were treated in conjunction with sales strategies and can be positioned as part of the company's activities for that month.
Edison
Regarding Thomas A. Edison, Inc., a September 1923 industry publication reported that A.H. Curry (dates of birth and death unknown) had retired from an important position at the company. Charles Edison (1890–1969) also mentioned his contributions, indicating that changes in the company's sales and distribution channels, as well as its overall business structure, were considered industry news that month.
Victor
The September 1923 issue of an industry magazine announced a dealer meeting for the Victor Talking Machine Company in Jacksonville. This gathering of dealers from Florida and the surrounding areas indicates the company's emphasis on strengthening its regional distribution network and sharing sales strategies in preparation for the fall sales season.
Brunswick
Regarding The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, an article about their Los Angeles record pressing plant can be found in the September 1923 issue of an industry magazine. This is treated as a move to meet the demand for Brunswick Records in the Pacific coast region, and since it also mentions leaflets for school services, it can be concluded that the company was simultaneously strengthening its supply chain and developing promotional materials that month.
Sonora
Regarding Sonora Phonograph Company, Inc., a dealer-向け promotional material highlighting the internal structural features of their machines can be found in the September 1923 issue of an industry magazine. The fact that they were trying to utilize explanations of structure and quality in sales, rather than just focusing on price, reflects the company's differentiation strategy for the autumn sales season.
Vocalion
Regarding The Aeolian Company's Vocalion, the September 1923 issue of an industry magazine reported that Ben Selvin (1898–1980) had once again become exclusive to Vocalion, supplying 12 discs every month, and that he was also involved in accompanying recordings for other Vocalion singers. This indicates that the company was clearly promoting the continuous supply of recordings by popular orchestra conductors as part of its sales strategy that month.
