Musicraft - Biography

Biography - Musicraft

USA

Label Story

Musicraft, run by Jack Myerson and Irving Felt, was incorporated in New York in 1937 as a subsidiary of Jefferson-Travis Radio Manufacturing Corporation but had begun recording Classical music as early as 1936. During World War II, the label began to release pop music as well. Jazz, in particular, became a focus after Albert Marx became the artistic director in 1944. In January 1946, the company also acquired Guild Records and its jazz repertoire. In May 1946, Musicraft signed Duke Ellington for a 3-year, 34-sides contract.

By the end of 1946, however, Musicraft was in big financial trouble and a downsizing program was implemented. Its West Coast operation was closed, its artist roster was reduced, and a big shuffle of the head office was activated. The Hamptone subsidiary label was dropped. The label limped into 1947 trying desperately to find working capital and keep their shareholders happy. Various plans to save the company came to nothing. Duke Ellington ended his Musicraft contract prematurely, in June 1947. And when talks with Guy Lombardo, whose contract with Decca was coming to an end, also fell through, it seemed like the end.

Finally, in the last months of 1948, Musicraft filed for bankruptcy. At the same time, a deal was made with MGM records to take the entire Musicraft catalogue on a commission basis for a five-year period. The shareholders would get some money back.

In early 1949, their creditors were howling at the door but by September, the agreement was signed with MGM, so some money got repaid.

Mel Torme had long seen the writing on the wall and had been trying to get out of his contract and finally managed it by suing Musicraft for royalties that they couldn't pay.

Label Guide:
The earliest labels have a light-gray background with a light-blue or black border and light-blue or black script. The Musicraft logo is bracketed by violin-hole shapes, and the company name listed on the top is Musicraft Records Inc. New York City (1937-1942).

In late Nov. 1942, the company name changed to Musicraft Corporation (Billboard, Dec. 5, 1942, p. 63), and some labels now have a yellow background color.

In 1945, the colors flip; the main label color of the 100-series is now dark red, and the margin and texts are a dull gold. For the 15000 series, the main label color is blue, with a silver margin and silver text.

From ca. April 1946 to ca. Oct. 1946, Musicraft switched to L and T as side designations. Then it stopped designating sides completely.

May 1946 sees the introduction of a new, monochrome label on which the initial M of Musicraft is stylized as two violin holes around a stringed bridge. The records are now said to be manufactured by Musicraft Records Inc. in U.S.A.

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