The Soundies: A History and Catalog of Jukebox Film Shorts of the 1940s

The Mills Novelty Company and its three-minute musical shorts called Soundies were a brief yet audacious experiment in mass entertainment in the 1940s. This book is the first to explore the history of these early music videos in depth, with a complete filmography of 1,880 Soundies, 125 photos, and 75 interviews.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The 1940s witnessed a brief yet daring experiment in mass entertainment: a jukebox with a screen. Patrons could insert a dime, then listen to and watch such popular entertainers as Nat King Cole, Gene Krupa, Cab Calloway, or Les Paul. There were several companies offering these tuneful delights, but the most successful was the Mills Novelty Company and its three-minute musical shorts called Soundies.

For the first time, the history of these early music videos is explored in depth. A complete filmography of 1,880 Soundies, this book details the musicians heard and seen on screen, listing recording and filming dates, arrangers, soloists, dancers, entertainment trade reviews, and much more. Additional filmographies cover more than 80 subjects produced by the other companies. In addition to the historical text and film inventories, this book is illustrated with 125 photos taken on the film sets, along with advertising images and production documents. A chapter with more than 75 interviews narrates the first-hand experiences and recollections of Soundies directors and participants. Forty years before MTV made its debut, the Soundies were there to provide entertainment for those who loved the popular music of the 1940s. This was truly music for the eyes.

Weight: 2372g
Dimension: 214 x 281 x 60 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476683133