Topic: 78 Release Dates--How fast could it happen?

[DavidR]

I am familiar with various sources for learning when a particular song was recorded, and I'm wondering what information has been compiled about when songs were actually released. A related issue that I'm especially interested in is the speed with which a record could be released. If I recorded a song, let's say, on October 26, 1928, what's the earliest date by which a 78 of that song might be in the hands of a consumer?

Thanks,
DavidR

[banjochris]

It wasn't long - I'd have to check my discographies for the exact recording date, but for instance, Fiddlin' John Carson recorded "Death of Floyd Collins," which came out sometime in April 1925 - Collins died Feb. 3 of that year.
Chris

[DavidR]

It wasn't long - I'd have to check my discographies for the exact recording date, but for instance, Fiddlin' John Carson recorded "Death of Floyd Collins," which came out sometime in April 1925 - Collins died Feb. 3 of that year.
Chris

I'm finding April 1925 as the recording date as well. So recorded and released the same month? That's pretty quick. What's the source for the release date? Advertising?

Thanks,
DavidR

[banjochris]

In this case just listed in a couple places on the net but usually the release dates do come from dealer flyers or advertising if there aren?t official company ledgers still available.

[TenBrook]

David,
In the Victor Black Label Discography by John R. Bolig, some of the records include recording dates and release dates. The very first entry has a recording date of March 18 1935 and a release date of March 27 1935, so it only took 9 days to get the record pressed. A free copy of the pdf of the book can be found at https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/VictorBlackLabelDiscography_v5.pdf

Lew

[DavidR]

David,
In the Victor Black Label Discography by John R. Bolig, some of the records include recording dates and release dates. The very first entry has a recording date of March 18 1935 and a release date of March 27 1935, so it only took 9 days to get the record pressed. A free copy of the pdf of the book can be found at https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/VictorBlackLabelDiscography_v5.pdf

Lew

Wow, that's impressive. Thanks, Lew!