Park Foundation Music App

Home > Labels

The Hit Record

Profile

U.S. label (1942-1945). Another in a line of shadowy record labels produced by [a901092] that was embroiled in controversy and intrigue in the 1940s. This label was pressed by the [l=Scranton Record Company] and credited to either [l755379] or [l=Elite Record Mfgers.] This was a cheaply produced label and retailed for 50¢ in dime stores and Firestone service stations. Controversy entangling Hit involved speculation that [a901092] continued to release new material during the Petrillo recording ban in 1942-43. [a901092] contended that he acquired recordings from Mexico, but evidence exists that selections were recorded in clandestine hotel-room sessions involving non-union musicians. At the same time, [a901092] filled out the Hit catalog with reissues of earlier material previously released on [l100104] and [l100103]. This included material to which [a901092] might not have owned the rights. Due to these allegations, [a901092] was expelled from the American Federation of Musicians. Oberstein sold the label to [l94039] in 1945 and returned to his former employer, the [l265984]. He briefly revived the Hit label in 1950.