Musicians
Artists recorded at the temporary recording studio set up by Okeh Records on Nassau Street in Atlanta, Georgia in June 1923 include:
- Lucille Bogan
- Fiddlin’ John Carson
- Fulcher’s Novelty Orchestra
- Fannie Mae Goosby
- Eddie Heywood
- Morehouse College Quartette
- Warner’s Seven Aces
Personnel
Besides the performers who recorded their songs in wax, other people important to the history-making Nassau Street sessions include:
Ralph S. Peer (1892 – 1960) was a talent scout, recording engineer, and record producer for Okeh Records. Peer pioneered “field recording” in June 1923 by traveling south to Atlanta, Georgia to record regional music outside the recording studio in such places as hotel rooms, ballrooms, and empty warehouses.
Charles L. Hibbard (1868 – 1933) was technical chief (recording engineer) for Okeh Records. He previously worked for Thomas Edison’s laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey where he was tasked with improving the business phonograph. He invented the portable recording equipment used in Atlanta.
Polk C. Brockman (1898-1985) was sales manager for James K. Polk, Inc. – originally a furniture store that became the largest distributor of Okeh Records in the Southeast. He convinced Okeh to travel to Atlanta to record. He became an A&R (artists and repertoire), publisher, and producer.