Radiex Records
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Grey Gull Records |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Defunct | 1931 |
| Fate | Shut down; production ceased |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
| Products | 78 rpm records |
Radiex Records was a U.S.-based record label operating during the 1920s, produced by Grey Gull Records of Boston from 1921 until Grey Gull's shutdown in late 1930. Production briefly persisted into 1931 under a successor company that also handled the Radiex, Van Dyke, and Madison brands. While Radiex records were available through Montgomery Ward catalogs, they were not exclusively manufactured for that retailer. Certain records reveal label overlaps between Radiex and other Grey Gull lines.
Radiex issued standard lateral-cut, double-sided 78 rpm discs in multiple shellac colors, although the shellac quality generally resulted in rapid wear. Early marketing materials described Radiex as "The Record of Beauty." Its catalog included popular vocal and dance selections drawn from masters recorded by Grey Gull, Plaza Music, Emerson Records, and occasionally Paramount Records. The label ceased operations in 1931.
Throughout its short existence, Radiex featured several label designs and color schemes. The origin of the "Radiex" name remains uncertain but may have suggested an association with radio technology.
Radiex shared catalog numbers and repertoire with Grey Gull releases; however, some Radiex records presented alternate takes—for instance, Sweethearts on Parade on Radiex 1587 is a quicker version compared to Grey Gull 1587. The catalog was divided into series: the 1000s for dance music, 2000s for vocal tracks, 4000s for standards, a seldom-seen 7000 race series, and a little-known 8000/8100 series of unclear intent.
Following Grey Gull’s closure in late 1930, a successor entity continued pressing Radiex, Van Dyke, and Madison records until spring 1931. These later pressings used Madison catalog numbers (5000s and 6000s) along with an 800/900 series pairing older Grey Gull "B" sides; some country-themed discs appeared under the 51xx numbering. These later productions differ noticeably from the earlier Boston-made items.
David Lennick, a record collector and reissue expert based in Toronto, subsequently revived the Radiex label name for CD reissues.
See also
External links
- Radiex Records at the Internet Archive's Great 78 Project