this page first published by John Wright, 22 Sept 1998
last update 14 March 2006
vintage@jabw.demon.co.uk
News Chronicle Feb 1933
DANCE MUSIC
ENGLAND V. U.S.
The first step was taken yesterday in a great intenational dance band contest which is being organised by the 'News ChronicIe'.
Four world-famous dance bands - two English and two American - are competing. Each band has played a dance tune and the four tunes have been recorded on two gramophone records.
£1,500 IN PRIZES
The public is to be invited to judge English v. American dance music as typified by these records, and the 'News Chronicle' is offering £1,500 in prizes in a new and fascinating competition.
ENGLAND is being represented by:
Jack Hylton and his Band, and
Lew Stone and his Monseigneur Band with Al Bowlly.
AMERICA by:
Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians with Bing Crosby, and
Wayne King and his Orchestra.'
RECORD FOR PRINCE GEORGE
Prince George, who is a skilful pianist, with an appreciation of both classical and jazz music is taking a keen interest in the contest and is accepting the first record to be manufactured.
This record was made yesterday at the Decca Record Company's factory at New Malden, Surrey.
It was pressed in the stamping machine by Mr. Tom Clarke, editor of the 'News Chronicle' in the presence of the two English band leaders who had made it - Mr. Jack Hylton and Mr. Lew Stone - Mr. Edward Holstius, a director of the Decca Company, and Mr. R. F. Leslie, the factory manager.
While still warm from the pressing, the record, with the first issue of the competing American record, was dispatched to Prince George at York House.
For fulI details of the competition see the 'News Chronicle' Special Week-end Section on Saturday.
News Chronicle April 28th 1933
£1,500 DANCE RECORD CONTEST
CLAIMS INVITED
Jack Hylton and Lew Stone have beaten Guy Lombardo and Wayne King, their American rivals, In the 'News Chronicle'! £1,500 Dance Record Contest.
Claims are invited today from competitors who were most successful in the difficult task or estimating the sales of the two famous records which typify dance music as played by the leading bands in this country and America.
The figures certified below, on which the prizes will be awarded, represent the sales during the first six weeks after issue. Here is the auditors' letter to the 'News Chronicle' :
20th April, 1933.
Dear Sir
As instructed by your letter of the 17th February, 1933 we have examined the books and documents covering the 'News Chronicle' Competition records, and hereby certify that the sales from 18th February to 31st March, 1933, inclusive, after deducting all returns and in accordance with the rules for the Competition as laid down in your above-mentioned letter, were as under:
Record No.1 (Decca F.3459) ...27,730
Record No.2 (Brunswick 1450)... 19,759
Yours faithfully:
(Signed) MELLORS, BASDEN & CO,
73, Basinghall Street, London E.C.2.
(Signed) DAVIE, PARSONS & CO,
6, Bishopsgate, London E.C.2.
Chartered Accountants.
Competitors who on one entry form gave both sales correctly or whose estimate at each sale was within 1,000 of the correct figure should send a postcard at once to Claims,'News Chronicle' Record Contest, Bouverie Street, London, E.C.4. On this card should appear a copy of the estimate on which the claim is based and the name and address as given on the entry envelope. Claims cannot be considered if received after Tuesday morning next, May 2.
News Chronicle April 28th 1933