What was the name of the first record company owned by an African-American?

• A. Pace Phonographical Corporation
• B. Motown Records
• C. Black Swan Records
• D. Stax Records

Answer: (A)

The first record company owned by an African American was Black Swan Records. Founded in 1921 by Harry Herbert Pace, Black Swan was significant for its role in promoting African American artists and music at a time when the recording industry was predominantly controlled by white-owned companies. This label aimed to capture the richness of African American cultural expression and provide a platform for artists who were often overlooked.

Pace Phonographical Corporation, while an important entity, actually relates to a different venture by Harry Herbert Pace and is often conflated with Black Swan Records, which is the correct answer for the first African American-owned record company. Motown Records and Stax Records, both significant in the development of soul music in the 1960s and 70s, came later. They were also founded by African Americans, but they do not represent the very first instance in terms of ownership within the recording industry.