Historical Data
Untouchable Records is the brainchild of Genghis Khalid Muhammad. (GKM) GKM conceived the idea for Untouchable Records (UR) at the age of 11 years old, in 1959. The influence for the name of the record company/label came from the TV Series which first aired on October 15, 1959; “The Untouchables.”
At this age Genghis Khalid Muhammad had the ardent ambition to establish the first black independent record company/label in America. But, it was unknown to him then, that there were black record companies/labels and black entrepreneurs struggling against all odds of Racism & Jim Crow to establish a legitimate record company/label that would duly earn exposure and recognition within the world of music.
“Black Swan” Records/Label is not widespread in the black communities or the American population, because it is not universally publicized. Yet, it is very significant black history and American history. “Black Swan” Record Company was the first black owned and operated, black record/label company known in America. The “Black Swan” Records was founded by Harry H. Pace, March 1921, in Harlem, New York. Mr. Harry Herbert Pace was a prominent successful black business man. “Black Swan” was named in honor of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, (1809 – 1896) an international black opera singer, who was dubbed: “The Black Swan.” Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, a civil rights activist and primary co – founder of the “N. A. A. C. P;” was one of the Board of Directors of the Pace Phonographic Corporation, established by Harry Herbert Pace, owner of “Black Swan” Records. The legendary Ethel Waters was a contracted artist of the “Black Swan” Records. Celebrities of that time, like: Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake & Louis Armstrong, among others, were known to affiliate with “Black Swan.” “Black Swan” Records folded in December 1923, and was sold in 1924, due to the tide of Racism & Jim Crow in America. Harry H. Pace, founder of the “Black Swan” Record Company was the first to revolutionize the Industry (Recording Broadcasting Industry/Music Industry/Entertainment Industry/Movie Industry) and set the “pace” for black people in America, subsequently, the world.
When Jack Lauderdale first put his Record Company on the map in 1947, it was called: “Down Beat Records.” Then in 1949, he renamed the company to “Swing Beat Records,” and finally in 1950, he settled with the title of “Swing Time Records,” headquartered in Los Angeles, California. “Swing Time Records” was the first record company/label that Ray Charles signed up with before signing up with “Atlantic Records,” then venturing out to major record companies. In 1953, “Swing Time Records” went bankrupt; but continued releasing singles until 1954. Mr. Jack Lauderdale was another blackman with the burning desire to spotlight gifted black artist & black musicians onto the world stage of music entertainment in America.
Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson opened the doors of “Atlantic Records” in October 1947, granting the opportunity to black musicians & artists to showcase their professional talents to the American population and subsequently the world.
