Amazing Indiana Music Stories:

Starr-Gennett

Richmond, Indiana was home to the Starr Piano company, which followed evolving technology into the 78 RPM market with record players, a recording studio, a pressing plant, and the Gennett record label.

Gennett began releasing records in 1916, continuing into the early 1930’s. Some consider Gennett to be the first “independent” record label, recording and releasing records regardless of genre, race, or religious affiliation.

Black artists traveled from Chicago and other locations because they were welcomed; many other recording studios and labels were strictly segregated.

Among notable recordings at Gennett were Louis Armstrong’s first recordings, Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust”, and those of Bix Beiderbecke and King Oliver.

Richmond’s Starr-Gennett Foundation is working to preserve and promote the important legacy of the Starr Piano Company and Gennett Records.

Belt Magazine’s website features an article on Starr-Gennett’s history and legacy.

The Indiana Historical Society hosted a “You Are There” exhibit on Gennett Records from 2020-22 and maintains an article about Starr-Gennett.

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