George W. Johnson

• George W. Johnson was the first black man to record a record that was sold commercially. A popular performer in New York City's "Hells Kitchen", Johnson recorded his first record in 1890 and later went on to be recorded by several major record labels at the time.
  
  

Race Records

• Black musicians were the primary producers of jazz music, but racial prejudice barred them from many opportunities in the recording industry. When they were permitted to record, it was marketed towards a white audience. During the 1920's, record company executives eventually realized the potential profits in selling African American consumers records recorded by black musicians. These race centered records gave black musicians their first opportunity to record for a mass audience. While the first race records were exclusively jazz and blues, it wasn't long before they expanded to gospel and comedy routines.
  
  

Black Swan

• Harry Pace founded the first African American record label in 1921 and called it Black Swan. His marketing strategy revolved around being the only authentically African American record label, and many of the biggest names in jazz and blues got their start here. While Black Swan initially enjoyed success, it was forced to declare bankruptcy in December of 1923.