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Show Notes
In this episode of "Three Tune Tuesday," we embark on a captivating journey through the early years of Paramount Records, from 1917 to 1920. We explore the label's unexpected origins as a side venture of the Wisconsin Chair Company, tracing its evolution from pressing classical records to becoming a significant player in the burgeoning popular music scene. Through three carefully selected recordings - the Blue Danube Waltz by the Paramount Symphony Orchestra (1917), Träumerei performed by Samuel Gardner (1918), and La Veeda by the Newport Society Orchestra (1920) - we witness Paramount's transformation. These selections showcase the label's initial focus on classical music, its technical improvements in recording, and its shift towards the popular dance tunes that would set the stage for its later significance in blues and jazz. Along the way, we delve into the historical context of each recording, examining how Paramount's journey reflected and influenced the changing musical landscape of early 20th century America.