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The 1930s may have been the golden years of radio and the lavish movie musical, but they were difficult times for the record industry. As the world crashed into depression, people turned to the radio for their entertainment. They could hear top international stars without having to pay for it. By 1939 the 'wireless' was a feature in 80% of British homes.
The new harsh economic realities led in 1931 to a merger of The Gramophone Company and the Columbia Gramophone Company. The issue of this union was Electric and Musical Industries (EMI). It was the succour provided by recording stars Gracie Fields, George Formby and Paul Robson that ensured that the hardy infant survived.
The difficulties of the Depression did not dim inventive ingenuity and in 1931 the first stereo recordings were made, although this technology was not marketed commercially until another 25 years had elapsed.
While radio proved to be a keen rival in the popular, light entertainment world, the classical music wing of the new company flourished. EMI's classical stars included Sir Thomas Beecham and Bruno Walters. Landmark recordings included Sir Edward Elgar conducting a 1932 performance of his own Violin Concerto, which starred a 16-year-old Yehudi Menuhin.
music 100 remembers those rough times with a display of period wireless sets, and film musical posters. The power of those rivals is underlined by a cigarette card collection of 'stars of radio', and very early Disney merchandising. The loyalty of EMI's popular recording stars is represented by George Formby's contract and famous Ukulele.
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