[ Previous | Table of Contents | Next ]

Musicians on Strike

• early 1924 to late 1943, the American Federation of Musicians ...
  • strike against recording for records or jukebox play
  • wary of the recording industry ... seemed a threat to their livelihood
• Another Patrillo ban (12/31/47):
  • barred radio stations from sending out subscriptions to affiliates (lost musical work)
  • union musicians could not make records

   

How some beat the ban:

• record a capella ... i.e., with no musical accompaniment
• use musicians not considered "legitimate" (e.g. harmonica orch!)
• sail to England (Andrew Sisters & Dinah Shore)

The Music Bu$ine$$

• 1948--Columbia announced the LP at 33 1/3 rpm
• Palmer College of Business survey (1949):
  • life of a hit was 3 months (71%)
  • DJs were the biggest help in selling a record (85%)
  • 33% of record buying public were under 21
  • 45% between ages 22-35
  • 21% over 35