[78-L] RCA 44- Dash Series

[Steven C. Barr]

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From: "Geoffrey Wheeler" <dialjazz at verizon.net>
> Several postings have mentioned 78 recordings with the same selection
> on both sides. This is akin to some special issues of DJ theme songs
> and ARC theatre discs. Sometime in the 1940s, RCA Victor created a
> short 44- dash range of pop releases featuring the same tune on both
> sides. Examples include: 44-0001 Artie Shaw “Begin the Beguine,”
> 44-0003 Artie Shaw “Star Dust,” 44-0004, Bennie Moten “South,” 44-0005
> Tommy Dorsey “Marie.” 44-0006 Benny Goodman “King Porter,” 44-0008
> Tommy Dorsey “Boogie Woogie,” 44-0009 Fats Waller “Your Feets Too Big,”
> 40-0010 Duke Ellington “Mood Indigo,” and 44-0011 Wayne King “The Waltz
> You Saved Me.” LoC does not list 44-0002, 44-0007, and nothing after
> 44-0011. I’ve never seen any of these discs so I don’t know what the
> labels say about their purpose.
>
Given the fact that all the listed items were big hits (and stayed as such
for a number of years...?!), I have always figured these were intended for
jukebox "operators"...?! Keep in mind that many 78rpm jukeboxes (jukeboci?!)
only played one side of records; therefore, a record with the "hit" on both
sides could be easily reversed when the disc showed audible evidence
of wear!

Steven C. Barr