Stephen Foster Album on Victor Red Seal

[jboger]

I got a complete set of Victor Red Seals, starting with number 1825-A. I can't find the series on the online database. The records look as if never played, and the album holder itself is in great shape. If this albusm has survived from the 1920s in this shape, then I am surprised. I wonder if this is a later re-issue. Anyone know anything about this album or these serial numbers?

[larryh]

Are you talking about the late 20's orthophonic version with Nat Shilkret conducting? It was reissued many times in latter albums but the same musical recordings. I find it very period and quite good.


Larry

[Phototone]

I love that Nat Shilkret set.

[jboger]

I don't see the name Shilkret on the label, but I now see that the label states "RCA Manufacturing Company," so this was released after RCA bought Victor. That was, I think, 1929. I didn't see that before. I thought the records were released by Victor, not RCA Victor. This may explain why the album is in such great shape.

The songs are sung by tenor Richard Crooks, with piano and banjo accompaniment by Frank LaForge and Ralph Colicchio, respectively. It's a five-record set. Some of the records look as if they hadn't been played.

[estott]

Ah- I thought you were talking about the "Stephen Foster's Music" set

[Wolfe]

Is it Richard Crooks with the Balladeers? I had that set at one time. It's got to be a late 1930's early 40's vintage set, from what I remember.

Not surprised that you found it in good condition. Lots of Red Seal sets of that time turn up looking great.

[jboger]

Yes, Balladeers. I've noticed the same thing. Classical music seemed to be recorded on the red label. Not so popular and so I guess not played so often. I got another complete set on Columbia: Kid Ory and his Creole Jazz Band. This was recorded and released in 1947. These records look to be in pretty good shape too.

[Wolfe]

"Classical" records sold in high proportion in those days compared to now, even though they could be expensive, and I suspect more than a few were purchased as status items.

RCA Victor charged around a buck a record in a multi album set, so a set like yours might retail for $ 4.98 or something. A decent little sum back in those days. In 1938, the minimum wage was established at 25 cents an hour.