Prompt Cast
The Vanishing of Harry Pace: Unraveling the Mystery of a Trailblazing Black Record Label Founder
TLDR The podcast explores the life and disappearance of Harry Pace, the founder of the first major black-owned record label in the U.S., delving into the challenges faced in piecing together his story due to limited information and contradictory accounts. Pace's contributions to music, culture, and civil rights, as well as the success and eventual downfall of Black Swan Records, are highlighted in this intriguing podcast series.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The Vanishing of Harry Pace is a podcast series about the mysterious disappearance of Harry Pace, the founder of the first major black-owned record label in the U.S., and explores the complexities of his life and identity.
05:54
The host and co-creator of the podcast, along with Seymol Yai, discuss the challenges of piecing together the life and identity of Harry Pace, the founder of the first major black-owned record label in the U.S., due to the lack of information and the contradictory nature of the available information.
12:22
Harry Pace was a significant figure in American history who made contributions to music, culture, theater, housing, and law, including desegregating neighborhoods and coining the term rock and roll, but his story and disappearance remain largely unknown.
18:15
Harry Pace excelled academically and socially at Atlanta University, where he met influential figures like WEB Du Bois and became involved in advocating for the rights of Black Americans.
23:56
Harry Pace, a talented 10th student at Atlanta University, forms a close relationship with W.E.B. Du Bois, who becomes a mentor and father figure to him, guiding him in his mission to uplift and advance the Black community through public opinion and manipulation of the white gaze.
29:44
Harry Pace and W.E.B. Du Bois face racism and competition in the music industry, but their songs, including "St. Louis Blues," become immensely popular and help spread American culture worldwide.
36:03
Harry Pace launches Black Swan Records, the first phonograph company owned and controlled by Black people, with the goal of uplifting the race through quality music.
42:20
Harry Pace's classical records didn't sell well, but a lucky break occurs when he sees Ethel Waters perform and realizes her talent and potential.
49:15
Ethel Waters' recording of "Downhearted Blues" became an instant sensation and transformed the fortunes of Black Swan Records.
55:22
Ethel Waters and the Black Swan Records tour faced challenges and racism as they traveled through the South, but their performances challenged stereotypes and showed that black people could excel and come in peace.
01:01:06
The success of Black Swan Records led to a white backlash, with white-owned record labels launching their own race records imprints and attempting to poach Black Swan artists, causing a serious slump in sales and leading to attempts to sabotage Black Swan records.
01:07:05
Harry Pace is forced to resort to desperate measures, passing off white artists' recordings as black in order to keep Black Swan Records afloat, but ultimately sells the company to Paramount Records.
Categories:
History
Society & Culture
