Document Records — label for early American roots and historic reissues
Document Records is an independent record label specializing in reissues of early American roots music and historic recordings from the first half of the 20th century.
Document Records is an independent record label best known for preserving and reissuing early American vernacular music. Founded in 1986 by Austrian collector Johnny Parth, the company built a reputation for assembling comprehensive anthologies of blues, gospel, jazz and other rural styles recorded in the first half of the 20th century. In 2000 the label changed ownership and later relocated from Vienna to Newton Stewart in Scotland.
Scope and repertoire
The label concentrates on recordings made roughly between 1900 and 1945, often described collectively as "roots" or traditional American music. Its catalog emphasizes historical genres including:
- Delta, country and urban blues
- Bluegrass, old-time and string-band traditions
- Gospel, spirituals and sacred singing
- Early jazz, ragtime and dance-band sides
- Field recordings and other regional vernacular styles
History and development
Document Records began as a specialist reissue project driven by collectors and archivists interested in rescuing fragile 78 rpm-era material from obscurity. Through careful compilation of rare pressings, metal parts and archival sources, the label issued many multi-disc anthologies and artist surveys that were otherwise unavailable. After the sale around 2000, the catalogue continued to expand under new management, maintaining the focus on historic American material while adapting to modern media formats.
Archival and release practices
Releases by Document Records typically aim to be research-friendly: chronological artist compilations, complete session sets and themed collections are common. Releases often include detailed track listings and contextual notes derived from discographies and contemporary sources. Transfers are usually sourced from surviving shellac pressings, master parts when available, and respected collections to reproduce early recordings as faithfully as possible.
Significance and reception
For scholars, collectors and libraries, Document Records has been an important resource for accessing primary audio documents of American musical history. By making obscure and regional performances widely accessible, the label has supported academic study, reissue projects, and the broader appreciation of roots traditions that influenced later popular music forms.
Notable facts and access
Among its holdings and releases, the label has issued material related to early industrial sources and announced rights to certain historic Edison Company items from the 1914–1929 era. Document Records maintains a public catalogue and distribution channels; for more information and current availability see the label's page at Document Records.
Questions and answers
Q: When was Document Records founded and who founded it?
A: Document Records was founded by Johnny Parth in Austria in 1986.
Q: Who currently owns Document Records?
A: Gary Atkinson currently owns Document Records after purchasing it from Johnny Parth in 2000.
Q: Where was the label originally based?
A: The label was originally based in Vienna, Austria.
Q: Where is Document Records located now?
A: Document Records is now located in Newton Stewart, Scotland.
Q: What types of music does Document Records publish?
A: Document Records publishes early American blues, bluegrass, gospel, spirituals jazz, and other rural American genres, also known as "roots" music, made between 1900 and 1945.
Q: What is special about Document Records' ownership?
A: Document Records is the owner of the rights for unreleased music made by the Edison Company between 1914 and 1929.
Q: What is the main focus of Document Records' music selection?
A: The main focus of Document Records' music selection is early American genres, particularly those made between 1900 and 1945.
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Document Records — label for early American roots and historic reissues Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/28143