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Total Categories: 7
The name 'RCA Records' originates from its former parent company, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
Answer: True
The nomenclature 'RCA Records' is directly derived from its historical parent entity, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), reflecting a significant lineage in the company's branding.
The entity that would evolve into RCA Records was founded in 1900 under the initial name 'Consolidated Talking Machine Company'.
Answer: True
The foundational entity that evolved into RCA Records was established in 1900 as the Consolidated Talking Machine Company, not the Victor Talking Machine Company, which was a later development.
Eldridge R. Johnson and Emile Berliner were the founders of the Consolidated Talking Machine Company, the precursor to RCA Records.
Answer: True
Eldridge R. Johnson, a pioneer in sound recording technology, and Emile Berliner, the inventor of the gramophone disc, were indeed the principal figures behind the establishment of the Consolidated Talking Machine Company.
RCA established its presence in the record industry by acquiring the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1929.
Answer: True
The acquisition of the Victor Talking Machine Company by RCA in 1929 was a seminal event, significantly bolstering RCA's position and capabilities within the burgeoning phonograph and record industry, leading to the formation of the RCA Victor Division.
Through the acquisition of Victor Talking Machine Company, RCA gained rights to the 'His Master's Voice' trademark in Europe.
Answer: False
While RCA acquired the rights to the 'His Master's Voice' trademark and the Nipper mascot through the Victor Talking Machine Company acquisition, these rights were specifically for the New World (the Americas), not Europe, where HMV retained its rights.
What was the original name of RCA Records when it was founded in 1900?
Answer: Consolidated Talking Machine Company
The foundational entity that evolved into RCA Records was established in 1900 as the Consolidated Talking Machine Company.
What pivotal acquisition allowed RCA to establish the RCA Victor Division in 1929?
Answer: Acquisition of the Victor Talking Machine Company
The acquisition of the Victor Talking Machine Company by RCA in 1929 was the pivotal event that enabled the establishment of the RCA Victor Division, significantly enhancing RCA's standing in the record industry.
RCA Records, currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, is one of four main flagship labels under the Sony Group Corporation.
Answer: True
RCA Records is indeed a primary label within Sony Music Entertainment, which itself is a subsidiary of the Sony Group Corporation, forming one of its four principal flagship labels.
World War II led to a complete severing of ties between RCA Victor and its Japanese subsidiary, JVC.
Answer: True
The geopolitical realities of World War II necessitated the severance of operational ties between RCA Victor and its Japanese affiliate, the Victor Company of Japan (JVC), due to hostilities between the respective nations.
The RCA Victor Award of Merit was an annual award given to employees recognizing outstanding contributions, starting in 1945.
Answer: True
The RCA Victor Award of Merit was indeed an annual distinction established in 1945 to honor employees for exceptional contributions, fostering a culture of recognition within the company.
General Electric purchased RCA Corporation in 1986, and subsequently sold RCA Records to Bertelsmann in 1987, leading to the formation of BMG Music.
Answer: True
The acquisition of RCA Corporation by General Electric in 1986 was followed by GE's sale of its interest in RCA Records to Bertelsmann in 1987, a transaction that culminated in the establishment of BMG Music.
Under President Bob Buziak in the late 1980s, RCA Records drastically reduced its artist roster and focused on developing new talent.
Answer: True
Contrary to expanding its roster, under President Bob Buziak in the late 1980s, RCA Records implemented a strategy of decentralization, significantly reducing its artist roster and prioritizing the development of new talent.
Which entity currently owns RCA Records?
Answer: Sony Group Corporation
RCA Records is currently owned by Sony Music Entertainment, which is a subsidiary of the Sony Group Corporation.
How did World War II affect the relationship between RCA Victor and the Victor Company of Japan (JVC)?
Answer: It caused their ties to be severed due to hostilities.
The geopolitical realities of World War II necessitated the severance of operational ties between RCA Victor and its Japanese affiliate, the Victor Company of Japan (JVC), due to hostilities between the respective nations.
What significant change in ownership occurred in 1987 involving RCA Records?
Answer: Bertelsmann acquired RCA Records from General Electric.
In 1987, General Electric divested its stake in RCA Records by selling its interest to Bertelsmann, its joint venture partner. This transaction led to Bertelsmann's full control and the subsequent formation of BMG Music.
How did RCA Records' strategy change under President Bob Buziak in the late 1980s?
Answer: Implemented decentralized management, reduced the roster, and focused on new talent.
Under President Bob Buziak in the late 1980s, RCA Records adopted a strategy of decentralized management, significantly reducing its artist roster and prioritizing the development of new talent.
The 'Program Transcription' record format, introduced by RCA Victor in 1931 at 33 1/3 rpm, failed commercially due to the low cost of the required specialized turntables.
Answer: False
The 'Program Transcription' format's commercial failure was primarily attributed to the prohibitively high cost of the specialized turntables required for playback, particularly during the economic constraints of the Great Depression, not the low cost of the equipment.
RCA Victor introduced the 7-inch, 45 rpm microgrooved vinyl record in 1949, designed to replace the older 78 rpm shellac discs.
Answer: True
In 1949, RCA Victor introduced the 7-inch, 45 rpm microgrooved vinyl record, commonly known as the '45,' intended as a successor to the 78 rpm shellac discs, offering enhanced durability and playing time.
Initially, RCA Victor used different colors of vinyl for its 45 rpm records to denote genres, with black being used for classical music.
Answer: False
While RCA Victor initially utilized colored vinyl for its 45 rpm records to signify genres, black was designated for pop music, and red was used for classical recordings. This practice was later discontinued.
In the 1950s, RCA Victor used the prefix 'LSC' for monaural LPs and 'LSP' for stereophonic LPs.
Answer: False
During the 1950s, RCA Victor utilized prefixes such as 'LM' for monaural LPs and 'LSC' for stereophonic classical LPs. The prefix 'LSP' was generally used for stereophonic non-classical LPs.
RCA Victor's 'Gruve-Gard' feature, introduced in 1954, involved making the entire record surface thicker to prevent warping.
Answer: False
The 'Gruve-Gard' feature, introduced in 1954, involved making only the center and edges of the record thicker, not the entire surface. This design aimed to protect the grooves from scuff marks during handling and stacking, rather than preventing warping of the entire disc.
The 'Living Stereo' initiative by RCA Victor began with commercial vinyl LP releases in 1958, following earlier reel-to-reel tape experiments.
Answer: True
RCA Victor's 'Living Stereo' initiative, representing its high-fidelity stereophonic recordings, commenced with commercial vinyl LP releases in 1958, building upon earlier experimental sessions and reel-to-reel tape recordings.
The Dynaflex vinyl LP, introduced in late 1969, was characterized by its thin and pliable construction, which led to a controversial reputation for warping.
Answer: True
Introduced in late 1969, RCA Records' Dynaflex vinyl LPs were notably thin and pliable, contrary to being thick and rigid. This construction led to a reputation for warping, earning them the nickname 'Dynawarp'.
In the 1970s, RCA Records utilized quadraphonic formats including 'Quad-8' tapes and vinyl records branded 'Quadradisc' using the CD-4 system.
Answer: True
During the 1970s, RCA Records actively engaged with quadraphonic sound, releasing 'Quad-8' tapes and vinyl records under the 'Quadradisc' brand, which employed the CD-4 discrete system.
Why did the 'Program Transcription' record format introduced in 1931 fail commercially?
Answer: The required turntables were prohibitively expensive during the Great Depression.
The 'Program Transcription' format's commercial failure was primarily attributed to the prohibitively high cost of the specialized turntables required for playback, particularly during the economic constraints of the Great Depression.
What advantage did RCA Victor's 45 rpm microgrooved vinyl records (introduced 1949) offer over the older 78 rpm records?
Answer: Longer playing times per side and greater durability.
The 7-inch, 45 rpm microgrooved vinyl record offered advantages over the older 78 rpm discs, including longer playing times per side and enhanced durability due to its vinyl composition compared to shellac.
Which color was initially used by RCA Victor for its 45 rpm records designated for classical music?
Answer: Red
Initially, RCA Victor utilized colored vinyl for its 45 rpm records to denote genres; red was specifically used for classical music recordings.
What was the purpose of the 'Gruve-Gard' feature introduced by RCA Victor in 1954?
Answer: To protect the grooves from dust and scratches during handling.
The 'Gruve-Gard' feature, introduced in 1954, involved making the center and edges of a record thicker than the playing area. This design aimed to protect the grooves from scuff marks incurred during handling and stacking on automatic record changers.
What did RCA Victor's 'Living Stereo' branding signify?
Answer: High-fidelity stereophonic recordings.
RCA Victor's 'Living Stereo' branding denoted its high-fidelity stereophonic recordings, which were developed starting in the mid-1950s and became known for their audio quality.
What was the controversial reputation of RCA Records' 'Dynaflex' vinyl LPs introduced in 1969?
Answer: They were prone to warping, earning the nickname 'Dynawarp'.
Introduced in late 1969, RCA Records' Dynaflex vinyl LPs were notably thin and pliable, contrary to being thick and rigid. This construction led to a reputation for warping, earning them the nickname 'Dynawarp'.
Which quadraphonic format did RCA Records use for its vinyl records, branded as 'Quadradisc'?
Answer: CD-4 (Compatible Discrete 4)
'Quadradisc' was RCA's trade name for its vinyl records utilizing the CD-4 (Compatible Discrete 4) format for quadraphonic sound.
What was the 'Dynagroove' process introduced by RCA Victor in 1963 intended to achieve?
Answer: To improve sound reproduction quality using computer technology in disc cutting.
Dynagroove was a process introduced by RCA Victor in 1963 that incorporated computer technology into the disc cutting process, with the stated aim of enhancing sound reproduction quality.
What was the 'Compact 33' format introduced by RCA Victor in 1960?
Answer: A 7-inch record playing at 33 1/3 rpm, intended to replace the 45 rpm.
The 'Compact 33' was a format introduced by RCA Victor in 1960 featuring 7-inch records playing at 33 1/3 rpm, intended as a replacement for the 45 rpm format, though it experienced limited commercial success.
RCA Records primarily focuses on releasing classical and jazz music genres.
Answer: False
RCA Records maintains a broad musical catalog, releasing music across diverse genres including pop, rock, hip hop, R&B, blues, jazz, country, classical, afrobeat, and electronic music, rather than focusing solely on classical and jazz.
During the Great Depression, RCA Victor introduced labels like Bluebird Records and Sunrise to compete with budget record labels.
Answer: True
During the economic hardships of the Great Depression, RCA Victor strategically launched budget-oriented labels, including Bluebird Records and Sunrise, to capture a broader market segment and compete effectively with lower-priced offerings.
RCA Thesaurus records were intended for public sale and featured popular music.
Answer: False
RCA Thesaurus recordings were not intended for public sale; rather, they were produced as 'electrical transcriptions' specifically for broadcast use on radio networks, serving as a library for programming.
The American Federation of Musicians' recording ban between 1942 and 1944 caused RCA Victor to lose potential recordings and led the Philadelphia Orchestra to sign with Columbia Records.
Answer: True
The recording ban imposed by the American Federation of Musicians significantly impacted RCA Victor, resulting in lost recording opportunities and, notably, the Philadelphia Orchestra's decision to sign with Columbia Records upon contract expiration during the strike.
During the 1950s, RCA Victor operated subsidiary labels such as Groove Records, Vik Records, and "X" Records, focusing on R&B and other genres.
Answer: True
In the 1950s, RCA Victor strategically operated subsidiary labels like Groove Records, Vik Records, and "X" Records, which specialized in genres such as R&B, thereby broadening the label's market reach.
Elvis Presley's contract was purchased by RCA Victor from Sun Records in 1955 for $40,000, and his first single for the label was 'Hound Dog'.
Answer: False
RCA Victor acquired Elvis Presley's contract from Sun Records in 1955 for $40,000. His debut single for RCA Victor was 'Heartbreak Hotel,' released in January 1956, not 'Hound Dog'.
RCA Records terminated R. Kelly's contract in January 2019 following the broadcast of the documentary 'Surviving R. Kelly'.
Answer: True
Facing considerable public pressure and controversy subsequent to the airing of the documentary 'Surviving R. Kelly,' RCA Records officially terminated its contract with the artist in January 2019.
Bluebird Records was launched by RCA Victor in 1932 as a lower-priced label.
Answer: True
Launched in 1932, Bluebird Records served as a lower-priced label for RCA Victor, focusing on genres such as jazz, blues, and country music to appeal to a broader audience.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a genre covered by RCA Records?
Answer: Reggae
Based on the provided information, RCA Records' catalog encompasses genres such as Afrobeat, Electronic Music, and Country Music. Reggae is not explicitly mentioned as a genre covered by the label.
Which label did RCA Victor launch during the Great Depression to compete with budget record labels?
Answer: Bluebird Records
During the Great Depression, RCA Victor launched several budget-oriented labels to compete in the market, with Bluebird Records being a prominent example known for its releases in jazz, blues, and country music.
What was the purpose of the 'RCA Thesaurus' label?
Answer: To provide music for broadcast use on radio networks.
RCA Thesaurus recordings were produced as 'electrical transcriptions' specifically for broadcast use on radio networks, serving as a library of music for programming rather than for public sale.
What was a significant consequence of the American Federation of Musicians' recording ban (1942-1944) for RCA Victor?
Answer: The Philadelphia Orchestra signed with Columbia Records.
The recording ban imposed by the American Federation of Musicians significantly impacted RCA Victor, resulting in lost recording opportunities and, notably, the Philadelphia Orchestra's decision to sign with Columbia Records upon contract expiration during the strike.
Who was RCA Victor's most successful artist, whose contract was purchased from Sun Records in 1955?
Answer: Elvis Presley
RCA Victor acquired Elvis Presley's contract from Sun Records in 1955 for $40,000. He subsequently became RCA Victor's most commercially successful artist.
What led RCA Records to terminate its contract with R. Kelly in January 2019?
Answer: Public pressure following the documentary 'Surviving R. Kelly'.
Facing considerable public pressure and controversy subsequent to the airing of the documentary 'Surviving R. Kelly,' RCA Records officially terminated its contract with the artist in January 2019.
What was the initial market strategy behind RCA Victor's 'Bluebird Records' label?
Answer: To provide lower-priced records for a broader audience.
Launched in 1932, Bluebird Records served as a lower-priced label for RCA Victor, focusing on genres such as jazz, blues, and country music to appeal to a broader audience.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a subsidiary or specialty label operated by RCA Victor during the 1950s?
Answer: Sunrise Records
The primary subsidiary and specialty labels operated by RCA Victor during the 1950s included Groove Records, Vik Records, and "X" Records. Sunrise Records is not mentioned in the provided context as one of these specific 1950s imprints.
In late 1968, RCA Corporation modernized its logo, and the 'Victor' name and Nipper trademark were largely retired from regular releases.
Answer: True
In late 1968, RCA Corporation underwent a branding overhaul. While the 'Victor' name and Nipper trademark were largely retired from general use on regular releases, 'Victor' remained associated with specific divisions, and Nipper was reserved for labels like RCA Red Seal Records.
What change occurred in RCA's branding in late 1968 regarding the Nipper mascot?
Answer: Nipper was largely retired from regular releases but reserved for specific labels like Red Seal.
In late 1968, concurrent with a logo modernization, the Nipper trademark was largely retired from regular RCA releases, though it was retained for specific labels such as RCA Red Seal Records.
When did RCA Records officially rename its division from 'RCA Victor' to 'RCA Records'?
Answer: In late 1968, coinciding with the parent company's name change.
The RCA Victor Division was officially renamed RCA Records in late 1968, coinciding with the Radio Corporation of America's change of its own name to RCA Corporation, marking a shift towards a more modern corporate identity.
RCA Victor Studio B in Nashville, established in 1956, became renowned for its pivotal role in developing the 'Nashville Sound'.
Answer: True
While RCA Victor Studio B in Nashville was established in 1956, it is primarily recognized for its significant contributions to the development of the 'Nashville Sound,' a smooth and polished country music production style, rather than the 'Rock and Roll' sound.
The demolition of RCA Victor's Camden warehouse in the early 1960s resulted in the loss of many master recordings, including those of Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Answer: True
The demolition of RCA Victor's Camden warehouse in the early 1960s led to the unfortunate loss or destruction of numerous master recordings, impacting the archival integrity for artists such as Sergei Rachmaninoff.
RCA Victor Studio B in Nashville is credited with being instrumental in the development of which musical sound?
Answer: The Nashville Sound
RCA Victor Studio B in Nashville played a crucial role in the development and popularization of the 'Nashville Sound,' a distinctive production style in country music.
What was the impact of the demolition of the Camden warehouse in the early 1960s on RCA Victor's archives?
Answer: Many important masters were lost or destroyed.
The demolition of RCA Victor's Camden warehouse in the early 1960s led to the unfortunate loss or destruction of numerous master recordings, impacting the archival integrity for artists such as Sergei Rachmaninoff.
In 2011, the Jive, Arista, and J labels were merged into RCA as part of a restructuring under Sony Music Entertainment.
Answer: True
As part of a significant restructuring initiative by Sony Music Entertainment in October 2011, the Jive, Arista, and J record labels were consolidated and permanently merged into RCA.
RCA Records (UK) currently operates as a division of Sony Music UK, functioning as an import label while also signing UK and Irish artists.
Answer: True
RCA Records (UK) operates as a division of Sony Music UK, serving dual roles as an import label for international artists and a signing platform for domestic UK and Irish talent.
What happened to the Jive, Arista, and J record labels in October 2011?
Answer: They were permanently merged into RCA Records.
In October 2011, as part of a restructuring under Sony Music Entertainment, the Jive, Arista, and J record labels were permanently merged into RCA.
How does RCA Records (UK) function within the current music industry structure?
Answer: It is part of Sony Music UK, handling imports and signing local artists.
RCA Records (UK) operates as a division of Sony Music UK, serving dual roles as an import label for international artists and a signing platform for domestic UK and Irish talent.