Chesterfield

Chesterfield Records was founded in 1946 as a subsidiary of the American tobacco company Chesterfield Cigarettes, primarily to promote music through radio and promotional records. The label initially focused on jazz and popular music, gaining traction in the post-war era. Notable artists associated with Chesterfield included jazz musician and bandleader Woody Herman and popular vocalists of the time. During the 1950s, the label expanded its catalog to include rhythm and blues, reflecting the evolving musical landscape. Chesterfield's promotional records often featured emerging artists, helping to launch several successful careers. While the label's prominence waned by the 1960s, its contributions to the jazz and popular music scenes were significant, particularly in promoting new talent. Chesterfield's legacy lies in its role as a promotional platform that bridged commercial interests with artistic expression, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.