Paramount's Rise and Fall: A History of the Wisconsin Chair Company and Its Recording Activities

How did a Midwestern chair company come to dominate the "race record" market of the 1920s? Their bold plunge into a then-untested market - records by black performers, for black buyers - unfolds in this new history. Alex van der Tuuk traces the story of their legendary Paramount label, which introduced such blues greats as "Ma" Rainey, Charley Patton, and Skip James to the world. More than 120 illustrations include rare ad artwork and many previously unpublished photos.