Cardinal Records (1920s)

Cardinal Records was a budget record label operating in the United States during the 1920s. It was known for issuing recordings made by a variety of artists under pseudonyms, primarily drawn from the stable of performers who recorded for Plaza Music Company's other budget labels, such as Banner, Domino, and Jewel.

Cardinal Records was launched around 1926 or 1927 and was sold primarily through McCrory's "five and ten" stores. Like other budget labels of the era, Cardinal aimed to offer affordable entertainment during a period of economic growth and increased consumer spending.

The label's repertoire spanned popular genres of the time, including jazz, dance music, and popular songs. Due to the use of pseudonyms, identifying the actual artists on Cardinal Records can be a challenge for record collectors and historians. Typical pseudonyms used included variations of established artist names or completely fabricated names.

Cardinal Records ceased production by the end of the 1920s, as the recording industry faced significant challenges following the stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. Its discography, while not extensive, provides a glimpse into the diverse and competitive landscape of the American record industry during the Jazz Age.