Custom & Promo recordings

Not every record was produced for sale in a record store. During the early and middle decades of the twentieth century, record companies also manufactured special recordings for radio stations, advertisers, businesses, motion picture studios, and other organizations.

Custom recordings were generally produced for a specific customer or purpose. They might contain radio programs, musical performances, commercials, announcements, demonstrations, or other material intended for limited distribution.

Promotional recordings were designed to advertise products, introduce new programs, promote performers, or publicize special events. Some were distributed to radio stations, while others were supplied to dealers, company representatives, or selected audiences.

Major manufacturers, including RCA Victor, NBC and Columbia, offered custom recording and pressing services. These records often carried unusual labels, special identification numbers, and information not found on regular commercial releases.

Today, many of these recordings are difficult to identify or date. Some survive without their original sleeves, accompanying paperwork, or documentation explaining why they were produced.

This section of "Hand Built Films" features surviving custom and promotional recordings, preserving their original audio and providing whatever historical information can be established.

Each recording offers another small glimpse into the history of broadcasting, advertising, and recorded sound.

Lucky Strike Presents Jan Peerce – “One Alone”

An RCA custom-pressed 78 RPM recording featuring tenor Jan Peerce singing “One Alone” from The Desert Song, followed by a message about Lucky Strike cigarettes.

NBC's Fall Parade of Stars – When a Girl Marries (Fall 1946)

An NBC promotional recording featuring announcer Charles Stark interviewing Mary Jane Higby and Marion Barney about their radio careers and the popular daytime serial "When a Girl Marries".