[Dixielandjazz] Early jazz recording

[Musicmemry at aol.com]

Re: remarks that no major labels would record black jazz bands before ODJB  
- Black performers were recorded from the early 1890's. George W. Johnson, 
Bert  Williams, James Reese Europe and many others. (See Lost Sounds by Tim 
Brooks.)  My guess is the ODJB recorded first for a couple of reasons: being 
white, they  could travel and be booked anywhere and were thus more 
visible; so when they hit  New York and made a splash they showed up on Victor's 
radar. Once their records  began to sell, of course the record companies 
looked for other groups who could  make similar sounds. They didn't give a hoot 
what color they were if there was  money to be made!