This collection is a discographical database with information and label scans of the Paramount 78rpm recordings held by the Mills Music Library. Titles, performer names, release dates and numbers, matrix numbers, and other details are all keyword searchable. Information is being added on an on-going basis. Broadway, Famous, and Puritan recordings are included, as they were also produced by the New York Recording Laboratories (NYRL) of Port Washington, Wisconsin.

NYRL was active from about 1917 – 1932, with Paramount Records as its premier label. Now famous for early blues and jazz performances, an amazingly diverse range of music was issued on NYRL labels. Old time, hillbilly, German, Polish, classical, band music and songs from musical shows were all recorded. The Wisconsin Roof Orchestra, Bill Carlsen, Joie Lichter, Sig Heller, Bob Tamms, and Jack Penewell are among the Wisconsin performers whose music may be found on these labels.

The Paramount Records Collection does not include every NYRL recording! The Mills Music Library has about 1,800 commercially issued discs, and a few test pressings. The collection has grown over the years through donations and purchases. The Library is very grateful to the late John Steiner for his significant donations.

The Paramount Records Collection forms part of the Wisconsin Music Archives, a special collection of the Mills Music Library. Please email askmusic@library.wisc.edu to arrange access to these materials, with offers of recordings, to inquire about CD reissues to check-out, or with any questions.