Vocalion

Vocalion Records was founded in 1916 by the Columbia Graphophone Company as a budget label aimed at providing affordable recordings. Initially focused on popular music and dance bands, Vocalion gained prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in the genres of jazz and blues. The label became known for its recordings of notable artists such as the Mississippi Sheiks, Louis Armstrong, and the Blue Sky Boys. In the late 1930s, Vocalion transitioned to recording country and folk music, further diversifying its catalog. The label was absorbed by CBS in 1938, which led to a decline in its independent identity. However, Vocalion's legacy endures, particularly through its extensive catalog of early American music, which has been reissued and celebrated by collectors and historians. The label is remembered for its contributions to the preservation of jazz, blues, and country music during a pivotal time in American musical history.