Pathé

Pathé Records, founded in 1896 by the Pathé Frères company in France, initially focused on producing phonograph records. The label played a significant role in the early 20th century, particularly in the development of the recording industry. In the 1920s, Pathé expanded its reach internationally, establishing a presence in the United States and diversifying its catalog to include jazz, classical, and popular music. Notable artists associated with Pathé include the jazz musician Louis Armstrong and classical performers like the violinist Mischa Elman. The label was known for its innovative recording techniques and helped popularize various genres during the jazz age and beyond. Despite its decline after World War II and eventual absorption into larger corporations, Pathé's legacy endures in its contributions to early recording technology and its influence on the music industry. Today, it is remembered as a pioneer in the evolution of recorded sound.