Okeh Records
from Blind Skeleton’s Three Tune Tuesday: 78rpm Records & Forgotten Songs
In this episode of “Three Tune Tuesday,” we explore the fascinating early years of Okeh Records, from its founding in 1916 to its influential position in the music industry by 1922. Through three carefully selected recordings, we trace Okeh’s evolution and its significant impact on American popular music. We begin with the “12th Street Rag” by the Rega Dance Orchestra (1920), which captures the transition from ragtime to early jazz and Okeh’s role in popularizing dance music. Next, we discover a young Artie Shaw in “Fee Fi Fo Fun” (1922), highlighting Okeh’s knack for spotting future talent and adapting to changing musical trends. Finally, we delve into the sophisticated world of hotel orchestras with Vincent Lopez’s “Deedle Deedle Dum” (1922), showcasing Okeh’s diverse catalog and marketing strategies. Throughout the journey, we explore Okeh’s innovative approaches, including their groundbreaking “race records” series and their ability to capture a wide range of musical styles, cementing their place as a pivotal force in shaping the soundscape of early 20th century America.
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