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Decca Records was established in the United Kingdom in 1929 by Edward Lewis, who was originally a musician.
Answer: False
Decca Records was founded in the United Kingdom in 1929. While Edward Lewis was instrumental in its establishment and acquisition, his background was in stockbroking, not music; he acquired the company after acting as its financial advisor during its flotation.
The company that became Decca Records initially manufactured gramophones before venturing into record production.
Answer: True
Prior to its significant involvement in record production, the company that evolved into Decca Records was primarily engaged in the manufacture of gramophones, notably the portable 'Decca Dulcephone'.
The name "Decca" is definitively known to have originated from a specific song title popular in the early 20th century.
Answer: False
The precise origin of the name "Decca" remains uncertain and is not definitively linked to a specific song title. Musicologists note that its etymology is obscure.
Decca Records made its first classical recording on February 7, 1929, featuring a renowned opera singer.
Answer: False
While Decca's initial recordings occurred on February 7, 1929, the first classical recording featured violist Cecil Bonvallot performing a Bach arrangement, not a renowned opera singer.
During the Great Depression, Edward Lewis responded by increasing the retail price of Decca records to maintain profit margins.
Answer: False
In response to the economic pressures of the Great Depression, Edward Lewis implemented substantial price reductions on Decca records to stimulate sales volume and ensure the company's survival.
When was Decca Records established, and who is credited as its founder?
Answer: February 7, 1929, by Edward Lewis
Decca Records was established on February 7, 1929. Edward Lewis, a stockbroker who recognized the potential in record production, was the principal figure behind its acquisition and establishment.
What was the primary business of the company that eventually became Decca Records before it focused on music production?
Answer: Manufacturing gramophones
The precursor to Decca Records was primarily involved in the manufacture of gramophones, a business it pursued before significantly expanding into record production.
How did Edward Lewis become involved with Decca Records?
Answer: He acted as a stockbroker for the company's flotation and later acquired it.
Edward Lewis, a London stockbroker, became involved with Decca when he represented the company during its stock market flotation. Recognizing the potential, he subsequently acquired the company.
How did Edward Lewis steer Decca Records through the challenges of the Great Depression in the 1930s?
Answer: By implementing substantial price cuts on records to boost sales volume.
During the Great Depression, Edward Lewis navigated Decca through economic hardship by implementing significant price reductions on records, thereby stimulating sales volume.
Decca Records US was established in 1934 and was primarily funded by Jack Kapp.
Answer: False
Decca Records US was indeed established in 1934. However, while Jack Kapp was a key leader, the subsidiary was primarily funded and chaired by Edward Lewis.
Decca's technological advancements during World War II were primarily focused on improving microphone sensitivity for studio recordings.
Answer: False
During World War II, Decca engineers, led by Arthur Haddy, developed sophisticated equipment for detecting sonic differences in water movement around submarine propellers, a critical application for naval warfare, rather than focusing on microphone sensitivity for studio use.
The 1947 recording of Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" for Decca became the world's best-selling single.
Answer: True
Bing Crosby's 1947 recording of "White Christmas" for American Decca achieved unparalleled commercial success, remaining the best-selling single globally to this day.
Decca pioneered the concept of original cast albums with the Broadway production of "My Fair Lady."
Answer: False
Decca pioneered the concept of original cast albums in 1942 with the Broadway production of "Oklahoma!", not "My Fair Lady."
Decca's "ffrr" system, introduced in 1945, stood for "Full Fidelity Recording" and aimed to reduce surface noise on records.
Answer: False
Decca's "ffrr" system, introduced in 1945, stood for "Full Frequency Range Recording." Its primary aim was to achieve unprecedented realism and fidelity in sound reproduction, rather than solely reducing surface noise.
Decca was instrumental in developing the long-playing (LP) record in Europe, initially focusing on domestic sales before exporting.
Answer: False
Decca played a significant role in the development and distribution of the LP record in Europe. However, from 1948 to 1950, the company focused on exporting LPs to the American market before making them widely available domestically in Britain.
Conductor Ernest Ansermet and the Suisse Romande Orchestra were among the eminent artists who joined Decca in the post-war era.
Answer: True
In the post-war period, Decca successfully attracted numerous distinguished classical artists and ensembles, including conductor Ernest Ansermet and the Suisse Romande Orchestra, who moved to the label from other companies.
The "Decca Gold Label Series," launched in 1950, was dedicated exclusively to popular music recordings.
Answer: False
The "Decca Gold Label Series," launched by American Decca in August 1950, was specifically dedicated to classical music recordings, encompassing symphonies, concertos, and opera.
Decca began issuing its first stereo recordings in 1955, shortly after experimenting with the technology.
Answer: False
While Decca experimented with stereo recording in the mid-1950s, its first commercial stereo recordings were issued in 1958.
Decca's main London recording venue was moved to the acoustically superior Kingsway Hall in 1944, partly due to the capabilities of the ffrr system.
Answer: True
The enhanced sound reproduction capabilities of the "ffrr" system prompted Decca to relocate its primary London recording venue to the acoustically superior Kingsway Hall in 1944.
Decca's technical innovations, such as the ffrr system and early adoption of stereo, significantly harmed its reputation for sound quality.
Answer: False
Far from harming its reputation, Decca's pioneering technical innovations, including the ffrr system and early adoption of stereo recording, significantly enhanced its standing for superior sound quality within the recording industry.
Which of the following artists was NOT among the early popular artists signed by Decca Records in Britain during its first two decades?
Answer: Bing Crosby
While Bing Crosby was a major star for American Decca, he was not among the early popular artists signed by Decca Records in Britain during its initial two decades. British Decca's early roster included artists like Gertrude Lawrence, George Formby, and Vera Lynn.
What strategic move did American Decca make in the 1930s to expand its roster and market access?
Answer: Purchased a majority shareholding in the American Brunswick Record Company.
In the 1930s, American Decca strategically acquired a majority shareholding in the American Brunswick Record Company, which provided access to a roster of popular artists and expanded its market presence.
Who were the key figures responsible for leading the American subsidiary, Decca Records US, when it was established in 1934?
Answer: Jack Kapp, Milton Rackmil, and E. F. Stevens
Upon the establishment of Decca Records US in 1934, the leadership was primarily entrusted to Jack Kapp, Milton Rackmil, and E. F. Stevens, operating under the chairmanship of Edward Lewis.
Which genre did Jack Kapp focus on establishing for the American Decca subsidiary in 1934, signing artists like Jimmie Davis and Roy Rogers?
Answer: Country and Western
In 1934, Jack Kapp established a significant focus on the Country and Western genre for the American Decca subsidiary, signing artists such as Jimmie Davis and Roy Rogers.
What significant technological development did Decca engineers achieve during World War II, led by Arthur Haddy?
Answer: Creation of equipment to detect sonic differences in water movement around submarine propellers.
During World War II, Decca engineers, under Arthur Haddy's leadership, developed advanced equipment capable of detecting subtle sonic differences in water movement around submarine propellers, a crucial innovation for naval operations.
What distinction does Bing Crosby's 1947 recording of "White Christmas" hold for Decca Records?
Answer: It became the world's best-selling single.
Bing Crosby's 1947 recording of "White Christmas" for Decca achieved unprecedented success, becoming the best-selling single worldwide.
Decca is credited with pioneering which type of album in 1942?
Answer: The first original cast album for a musical
In 1942, Decca released the first original cast album for a musical, featuring the Broadway production of "Oklahoma!", thereby establishing a new format in the recording industry.
What did Decca's "ffrr" system, announced in 1945, stand for, and what was its primary benefit?
Answer: "Full Frequency Range Recording"; led to unprecedented realism and sound quality.
Decca's "ffrr" system, introduced in 1945, signified "Full Frequency Range Recording." This technological advancement dramatically expanded the frequency response, resulting in recordings of unprecedented realism and superior sound quality.
How did Decca contribute to the development and distribution of the long-playing (LP) record in the late 1940s?
Answer: They were a key European player, initially exporting LPs to the US market before domestic release.
Decca was a pivotal European entity in the development of the long-playing (LP) record. Between 1948 and 1950, the company prioritized exporting LPs to the United States before making them widely available within Britain.
Which of the following was NOT an eminent artist or ensemble that joined Decca in the post-war classical music era?
Answer: The London Symphony Orchestra
While Decca attracted numerous distinguished classical artists post-war, including Kathleen Ferrier, Wilhelm Kempff, and Peter Pears, the London Symphony Orchestra was not among the prominent ensembles that exclusively joined Decca during that period.
What was the purpose of the "Decca Gold Label Series" launched by American Decca in August 1950?
Answer: To issue a new line of LPs dedicated to classical music.
Launched in August 1950, the "Decca Gold Label Series" by American Decca was specifically created as a new line of LPs dedicated to classical music repertoire.
When did Decca begin issuing its first stereo recordings, marking a significant step in audio technology?
Answer: 1958
Decca commenced issuing its first commercial stereo recordings in 1958, following experimental work in the preceding years.
Which of the following artists was associated with the "Decca Gold Label Series" launched in 1950?
Answer: Wilhelm Backhaus
The "Decca Gold Label Series," launched in 1950, featured classical music artists, including the pianist Wilhelm Backhaus.
Bill Haley & His Comets achieved significant success for American Decca in the 1950s with their hit "Jailhouse Rock."
Answer: False
Bill Haley & His Comets achieved significant success for American Decca with their hit "Rock Around The Clock," not "Jailhouse Rock."
The alliance between Decca and RCA in 1957 allowed Decca to distribute RCA recordings in Britain, including those of Elvis Presley.
Answer: True
The strategic alliance formed between Decca and RCA in 1957 granted Decca the rights to market and distribute RCA's recordings in Britain, which notably included the popular works of Elvis Presley.
The legendary story claims Decca rejected The Beatles in 1962 because their manager insisted on signing a contract for a symphony orchestra.
Answer: False
While Decca famously rejected The Beatles following their 1962 audition, the widely cited reason was not related to a symphony orchestra contract. Instead, the apocryphal explanation often given is that "guitar groups are on the way out."
Decca signed The Rolling Stones in 1963, the same year they rejected The Beatles.
Answer: False
Decca signed The Rolling Stones in 1963. However, the rejection of The Beatles occurred in 1962, not 1963.
Tommy Steele and Lonnie Donegan were popular artists signed by Decca UK in the 1950s.
Answer: True
Decca UK achieved considerable success in the 1950s by signing popular artists such as Tommy Steele and Lonnie Donegan.
Which rock and roll act had a major hit for American Decca in the 1950s with the song "Rock Around The Clock"?
Answer: Bill Haley & His Comets
Bill Haley & His Comets achieved a monumental hit for American Decca in the 1950s with their iconic song "Rock Around The Clock."
The 1957 alliance between Decca and RCA allowed Decca to do which of the following in Britain?
Answer: Market and distribute RCA recordings, including those of Elvis Presley.
The 1957 alliance between Decca and RCA enabled Decca to market and distribute RCA's extensive catalogue in Britain, which notably included recordings by Elvis Presley.
What is the commonly cited, though possibly apocryphal, reason Decca executives gave for passing on signing The Beatles in 1962?
Answer: "Guitar groups are on the way out."
The widely circulated, albeit potentially apocryphal, reason provided by Decca executives for not signing The Beatles in 1962 was the assertion that "guitar groups are on the way out."
Which highly successful British rock band did Decca sign in 1963, shortly after the infamous "Decca audition"?
Answer: The Rolling Stones
In 1963, Decca secured the contract for The Rolling Stones, a move that proved highly successful and contrasted with their earlier decision not to sign The Beatles.
The "Decca audition" in 1962 is notable primarily because:
Answer: It is remembered as a significant missed opportunity for Decca regarding The Beatles.
The "Decca audition" of 1962 is primarily remembered as a pivotal moment of significant missed opportunity for Decca, as the label declined to sign The Beatles, who subsequently achieved unparalleled global success.
In 1959, American Decca merged with Warner Brothers, gaining control of their film studios.
Answer: False
In 1959, American Decca merged with MCA Inc., not Warner Brothers. This followed American Decca's earlier acquisition of a controlling interest in Universal Pictures, which was part of MCA.
Deram Records, launched in 1966, was a Decca subsidiary focused on jazz music.
Answer: False
Deram Records, established by Decca in 1966, was primarily a label for "progressive" music, encompassing rock and pop genres, rather than jazz.
By the end of the 1960s, Decca held a larger share of the British LP market than EMI.
Answer: False
By the close of the 1960s, EMI maintained a larger share of the British LP market (26.5%) compared to Decca (22.8%).
In 1966, the American entity Decca Records Inc. ceased to exist and was fully absorbed into MCA Inc.
Answer: True
In 1966, the corporate structure of Decca Records Inc. in America was dissolved, and it subsequently operated as a division under the umbrella of MCA Inc.
Decca launched the "Headline" and "Florilegium" labels in 1974, both dedicated to contemporary popular music.
Answer: False
In 1974, Decca launched two classical music labels: "Headline," which focused on contemporary compositions, and "Florilegium," which was dedicated to early music recordings.
Decca's first digital recording was made in 1979, featuring Beethoven's opera "Fidelio."
Answer: False
Decca developed its digital recording capabilities in 1978, making its first digital recording of Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony in December 1978. The company did, however, make the world's first digital recording of an opera, Beethoven's "Fidelio," in May 1979.
Decca Records was sold to Sony Music Entertainment in 1980.
Answer: False
In 1980, Decca Records was acquired by the German-Dutch conglomerate PolyGram, not Sony Music Entertainment.
The first complete recording of Richard Wagner's operatic tetralogy, "Der Ring des Nibelungen," was made by EMI Classics between 1958 and 1965.
Answer: False
The landmark first complete recording of Richard Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen" between 1958 and 1965 was a significant achievement by Decca, not EMI Classics.
John Culshaw, a key producer at Decca, later became the head of music for BBC Television.
Answer: True
John Culshaw, a highly influential producer at Decca renowned for his work in classical music recording, transitioned to a prominent role as the head of music for BBC Television in 1967.
In 1971, MCA Records consolidated American Decca, Kapp, and Uni Records into a single MCA label.
Answer: False
While MCA Records did consolidate American Decca, Kapp, and Uni Records, this integration into a single MCA label occurred in 1973, not 1971.
What major corporate change occurred involving American Decca in 1959?
Answer: It merged with MCA Inc.
In 1959, American Decca underwent a significant corporate transformation when it merged with MCA Inc.
Deram Records was established by Decca in 1966 primarily as a label for what type of music?
Answer: Progressive Rock and Pop
Deram Records, launched by Decca in 1966, was conceived primarily as a platform for progressive rock and pop music, featuring influential artists of the era.
According to The Times in 1965, how was Decca's technical capability perceived compared to its main rival, EMI, in the British recording industry?
Answer: Decca's engineers were described as "incomparable" in their technical skill.
In 1965, The Times acknowledged Decca's technical superiority within the British recording industry, describing its engineers as "incomparable" in their skill, distinguishing it from its main rival, EMI.
What happened to the American entity Decca Records Inc. in 1966?
Answer: It was dissolved and operated as a division of MCA Inc.
In 1966, Decca Records Inc. in the United States ceased to exist as a separate entity and was subsequently integrated as a division within MCA Inc.
Decca launched two new classical music labels in 1974. What were their respective focuses?
Answer: "Headline" for contemporary music and "Florilegium" for early music.
In 1974, Decca introduced two specialized classical music labels: "Headline," curated for contemporary compositions, and "Florilegium," dedicated to recordings of early music.
What significant milestone did Decca achieve with its digital recording technology in May 1979?
Answer: Made the world's first digital recording of an opera, Beethoven's "Fidelio."
In May 1979, Decca achieved a significant milestone by producing the world's first digital recording of an opera, Beethoven's "Fidelio."
Who acquired Decca Records in 1980, shortly before the death of its founder Edward Lewis?
Answer: PolyGram
In 1980, shortly before the passing of its founder Edward Lewis, Decca Records was acquired by PolyGram, a prominent international music conglomerate.
Decca's recording of which composer's epic operatic tetralogy between 1958 and 1965 is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in recording history?
Answer: Richard Wagner
Decca's comprehensive recording of Richard Wagner's monumental operatic tetralogy, "Der Ring des Nibelungen," between 1958 and 1965, is celebrated as a seminal achievement in the history of recorded music.
What role did producer John Culshaw play in Decca's history, particularly concerning stereophonic recording?
Answer: He championed the move to stereo recording and produced the groundbreaking "Ring" cycle.
Producer John Culshaw was instrumental in Decca's history, notably advocating for and overseeing the transition to stereophonic recording, including the production of the landmark "Ring" cycle.
A growing conservatism and missed opportunities, like the initial reluctance to sign Luciano Pavarotti, contributed to the decline of British Decca's fortunes in the 1970s.
Answer: True
The 1970s saw a decline in British Decca's commercial standing, attributed partly to the aging of key figures, an increasing conservatism within management, and a failure to capitalize on emerging talent and opportunities, such as the initial hesitation to sign Luciano Pavarotti.
The 1990 FIFA World Cup coverage by the BBC, featuring Luciano Pavarotti's "Nessun dorma," significantly boosted Decca's crossover repertoire.
Answer: True
The widespread popularity of Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of "Nessun dorma" during the BBC's 1990 FIFA World Cup broadcasts marked a pivotal moment, significantly enhancing Decca's crossover music repertoire and paving the way for future successes in this genre.
Following Universal Music Group's acquisition in 1998, the Decca classical music label in North America was renamed London Records.
Answer: False
Following Universal Music Group's acquisition in 1998, the London Records classical music arm was actually renamed Decca Records in North America, integrating it more closely with the Decca brand.
After the 1980 acquisition by PolyGram, Decca's physical assets, including its pressing plant and studios, remained operational for many years.
Answer: False
Following PolyGram's acquisition of Decca in 1980, the label's physical infrastructure, including its pressing plant and studios, were subsequently closed down.
In 2011, Universal Music Group donated a significant portion of its American Decca master recordings to the British Library.
Answer: False
In 2011, Universal Music Group donated a substantial collection of its American Decca master recordings not to the British Library, but to the United States Library of Congress, preserving a vital part of American musical heritage.
The "Decca Gold" American classical music label was revived in 2017 under the management of Deutsche Grammophon.
Answer: False
The "Decca Gold" American classical music label was revived in 2017, but it was placed under the management of the Verve Label Group, not Deutsche Grammophon.
Which factor is cited as a reason for the decline in British Decca's fortunes during the 1970s?
Answer: Aging key figures, growing conservatism, and missed opportunities with new talent.
The decline in British Decca's fortunes during the 1970s is attributed to several factors, including the aging of its leadership, an increase in conservatism, and a failure to seize opportunities with new artists and trends.
What major event in 1990 significantly boosted Decca's crossover repertoire and paved the way for artists like Andrea Bocelli?
Answer: The use of Pavarotti's "Nessun dorma" for the BBC's FIFA World Cup coverage.
The widespread broadcast of Luciano Pavarotti's "Nessun dorma" during the 1990 FIFA World Cup coverage significantly amplified Decca's crossover repertoire, setting the stage for artists like Andrea Bocelli.
Following the 1998 acquisition of PolyGram and MCA by Universal Music Group, what happened to the London Records classical music arm?
Answer: It was renamed Decca Records in North America.
Post-acquisition by Universal Music Group in 1998, the London Records classical music division was rebranded as Decca Records in North America.
In 2011, Universal Music Group made a significant contribution to preserving music history by donating master recordings to which institution?
Answer: The Library of Congress
In 2011, Universal Music Group donated a substantial archive of American Decca master recordings to the United States Library of Congress, ensuring their preservation for future study and access.
What happened to Decca's physical assets like its West Hampstead studios and pressing plant after the PolyGram acquisition in 1980?
Answer: They were closed down by PolyGram.
Following the acquisition by PolyGram in 1980, Decca's physical assets, including its pressing plant and studios located in West Hampstead, were subsequently closed.
What was the primary impact of the "three tenors" recording phenomenon on Decca's strategy in the 1990s?
Answer: Paving the way for a significant emphasis on crossover artists.
The immense success of the "three tenors" recordings profoundly influenced Decca's strategy in the 1990s, leading to a pronounced emphasis on developing and promoting crossover artists.
When was the Decca label revived as a country music label in the USA, and by which entity?
Answer: 1994, by MCA Nashville
The Decca label was revived in the United States as a country music label in 1994, under the auspices of MCA Nashville.
What happened to the catalogue of Philips Records after Universal Music Group acquired Decca's parent companies?
Answer: It was merged with British Decca's catalogue.
Following Universal Music Group's acquisition of Decca's parent companies, the catalogue of Philips Records was integrated and merged with the existing catalogue of British Decca.
The revival of the "Decca Gold" American classical music label in 2017 placed it under the management of which group?
Answer: The Verve Label Group
When the "Decca Gold" American classical music label was revived in 2017, its management was assigned to The Verve Label Group.