One new parcel of new records every month to the front, including a pack of 100 steel needles. Custom V Disc Portable players were provided to the fighting troops. Often 2 features per 12" side, the extended play records played up to 6 minutes per side.

Most of these records were special recordings with messages by the Performer to the troops, many of them live Jazz recordings, and recorded during the 1941 performers strike, when NO OTHER records were made. Most of these records are UNIQUE recordings, that were not issued on commercial records. Not infrequently, the Band Leader or performer makes a personal announcement to the troops at the beginning or during the song. Issue of famous Vocalists:

Igor Gorin / Fred Waring And His Pennsylvanians* – Largo Al Factotum / Ol' Moses Put Pharoah In His Place

Fred Waring sings gospel negro-style with a capella choir

Label: V Disc – 563
Format: 
Vinyl, 12", 78 RPM
Country: US

Genre: Classical, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Opera, Vocal
A Igor Gorin With Orchestra Under The Direction Of Howard Barlow– Largo Al Factotum - From The Opera "Barber Of Seville"
Composed By – Rossini*
B Fred Waring And His Pennsylvanians*– Ol' Moses Put Pharoah In His Place
Written-By – Bird*, Ford*, Selsman*


V Disc early vinyl pressing 12" 78 rpm record

Condition:

EXCELLENT, some scuffs on Waring, plays E+ EXCEPTIONALLY QUIET
Slight waviness may require 1 penny on tone arm

V-Disc was a record label produced during the World War II era by special arrangement between the United States government and various private U.S. record companies. The records were produced for use of United States military personnel overseas. Many popular singers, big bands and orchestras of the era recorded special V-Disc records. These 12-inch, 78 rpm gramophone recordings were created between 1943 and 1949. The "V" stands for "Victory".

The V-Disc project actually began in June 1941, six months before the United States' involvement in World War II, when Captain Howard Bronson was assigned to the Army's Recreation and Welfare Section as a musical advisor. Bronson suggested the troops might appreciate a series of records featuring military band music, inspirational records that could motivate soldiers and improve morale.

The V-Discs were an instant hit overseas. Soldiers who were tired of hearing the same old recordings were treated to new and special releases from the top bands of the day. And such a varied selection - big band hits, some swing music, classical performances from the top symphonies, a little jazz here and there, even some marching music to keep Major Bronson happy.

Many V-Discs contained spoken-word introductions by bandleaders and artists, wishing good luck and prayers for the soldiers overseas, and their hopes for a swift and safe return. V-Discs also featured one-of-a-kind performances, as artists who were not shackled by restrictive record company contracts could now perform special versions of the 1940s' most popular hits.