From Fairy Tale to Vinyl: The Story of Royale Records' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs EP

Introduction

In the golden era of the 1950s, when vinyl records were the primary medium for music consumption, one label stood out among the rest for its unique approach to the market. Royale Records, led by the visionary Eli Oberstein, revolutionized the industry by flooding the market with an extensive array of budget records in various speeds and sizes. This article will delve into the fascinating history of Royale Records and highlight one of their most notable releases, a 45 rpm EP featuring songs from Walt Disney's iconic animated feature film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

The Rise of Royale Records

Eli Oberstein, the mastermind behind Royale Records, saw an opportunity in the market for affordable, accessible music. Oberstein aimed to bring music to the masses, regardless of their financial status, by focusing on budget releases. Royale Records quickly gained a reputation for its vast catalog, encompassing a wide range of genres and styles, catering to the diverse tastes of the American public.

Oberstein's strategy was simple yet effective: produce records at a lower cost than the competition and sell them at an attractive price point. This approach allowed Royale Records to capture a significant market share, particularly among budget-conscious consumers who still wanted to enjoy the latest hits and timeless classics.

The Smurfs Connection: A Curious Coincidence?

One of Royale Records' most intriguing releases was a 45-rpm EP featuring songs from Walt Disney's groundbreaking animated feature film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The cover art of this particular release has garnered attention over the years due to its striking resemblance to the popular cartoon characters The Smurfs.

The cover depicts a group of six short, dwarf-like laborers with blue-colored skin, reminiscent of the iconic Smurfs. However, it is essential to note that this resemblance is purely coincidental, as The Smurfs were created by another studio several decades after the release of this Royale Records EP. Other versions of the jacket feature different background colors and skin tones for the laborers, further emphasizing the unintentional nature of the similarity.

The Artwork: A Glimpse into a Fairy Tale World

The cover art of the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP is a testament to the attention to detail and creativity that went into Royale Records' releases. The illustration depicts a scene reminiscent of a fairy tale, with the six laborers traversing a clearing at the edge of a forest. The rearmost figure carries a sack over their shoulders, while another holds a walking stick. One laborer has a shovel slung over their shoulder, and the forwardmost person, hunched over and dressed in what appears to be a kilt, carries a lantern. Each character dons headwear that evokes the image of stereotypical medieval peasant laborers.


The background features a small stream crossed by a quaint bridge, suitable for horse-drawn carts and foot traffic. The linework is done in white against a contrasting background color (which varies depending on the jacket's version), with black text adorning the upper half of the cover. This whimsical and enchanting artwork perfectly captures the spirit of the beloved Disney classic.


The Music: A Timeless Collection of Songs

The "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP features a delightful selection of songs from the iconic animated film. The tracklist is as follows:

Side 1:
1a. Whistle While You Work
1b. I'm Wishing (Vocal)
1c. Someday, My Prince Will Come

Side 2:
2a. Heigh-Ho (Dig Dig Dig)
2b. One Song (Vocal)
2c. With a Smile and a Song

Each side of the record contains a continuous track without cue bands, making it challenging to cue to specific songs easily. The first and last songs on each side are played in their entirety, while the second song features an orchestral intro and outro performed by a vocalist of unknown identity. This mysterious singer regularly contributed to Royale Records' musical/show tune albums during this period, lending his talents to numerous other tracks.

Despite being a budget release, the musicianship exhibited on the EP is quite respectable. The orchestral arrangements and vocal performances capture the essence of the original film soundtrack, providing listeners with a delightful and nostalgic experience. The inclusion of beloved songs like "Whistle While You Work," "Someday, My Prince Will Come," and "Heigh-Ho (Dig Dig Dig)" ensures that this record appeals to both children and adults alike, making it a timeless addition to any music collection.

The Format: An EP Born Out of Necessity

It is speculated that the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" release was initially intended to be a single-length 78/45 rpm record. However, due to higher than anticipated production costs, likely stemming from the acquisition of song rights, Royale Records may have opted to issue the album as an Extended Play (EP) record instead. This decision allowed the label to generate more revenue per unit sold, offsetting the increased expenses of producing the record.

The Legacy of Royale Records

Royale Records' impact on the music industry during the 1950s cannot be overstated. By focusing on budget releases and catering to a wide range of musical tastes, Eli Oberstein and his label made music more accessible to the masses. The label's extensive catalog, which included everything from popular hits to timeless classics, ensured that there was something for everyone.

While Royale Records may not have had the same prestige as some of the major labels of the era, its contribution to the democratization of music consumption is undeniable. The label's commitment to providing affordable, quality recordings helped shape the musical landscape of the 1950s and left a lasting impact on the industry as a whole.

Conclusion

The story of Royale Records and its visionary founder, Eli Oberstein, is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability in the music industry. Royale Records carved out a unique niche by identifying a gap in the market and filling it with an extensive array of budget releases. They left an indelible mark on the history of recorded music.

The "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP, with its intriguing cover art, timeless track list, and respectable musicianship, is a prime example of the label's commitment to delivering quality content at an affordable price. While the coincidental resemblance to The Smurfs may have drawn additional attention to this particular release, the music and the story behind the record make it a fascinating piece of Royale Records' history.

As we look back on the golden age of vinyl and the labels that defined it, Royale Records stands out as an unsung hero. It was a label that dared to be different and, in doing so, changed the course of music history forever. The "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" EP is a testament to the label's enduring legacy and commitment to bringing music's magic to audiences everywhere.

A Testament to Affordable Music and Timeless Waltzes- An Varsity Budget Label Legacy

In the annals of music history, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Eli Oberstein. His pioneering spirit and innovative approach to the music industry revolutionized the way we consume and appreciate music. At the heart of his legacy lies Varsity Records, a budget label that may have been short-lived but left an enduring impact on the accessibility and affordability of music.

Eli Oberstein's impact on the music industry extends far beyond a single label. His vision and determination to make music accessible to all led him to establish multiple record labels throughout his career. Varsity Records, though a footnote in history, serves as a microcosm of his vision. Established in the early 1950s, Varsity Records was Oberstein's initial foray into the budget label market. While the label's first incarnation was short-lived, Oberstein's unwavering commitment to his vision led to its revival a few years later.

Varsity Records' strategy was ingenious in its simplicity. By offering abridged versions of popular albums and reissues of existing content, the label made music accessible to a wider audience at a significantly lower price point. This focus on affordability was a game-changer in an era when music was often considered a luxury. Oberstein understood that music had the power to enrich lives, and he was determined to make it available to everyone, regardless of their financial means.

The label's approach to content curation was equally impressive. By carefully selecting evergreen content and classic performances, Varsity Records minimized the risk associated with new releases while still offering high-quality music. This strategy not only ensured the label's financial viability but also introduced timeless masterpieces to new generations of listeners.

Oberstein's business acumen extended beyond the confines of Varsity Records. As the label began to phase out, he cleverly ensured its content found new life on other labels he founded, such as Royale and Allegro. This "content recycling" approach allowed him to maximize the value of his catalog and extend the shelf life of the music he so passionately believed in.

This practice of repurposing content across multiple platforms and formats may seem commonplace today, but in the 1950s, it was a revolutionary concept. Oberstein's foresight and innovative thinking laid the groundwork for the modern music industry's content distribution and monetization approach.

One of the most notable releases on Varsity Records was the Bob Stanley Orchestra's renditions of Strauss Waltzes, featured on the 6901 LP. This album exemplifies the label's philosophy of offering high-quality, classic content at an affordable price.

The Bob Stanley Orchestra's masterful interpretations of Strauss's timeless compositions transport listeners to the golden age of the waltz. From the effervescent "Voices of Spring" to the iconic "Blue Danube," each track showcases the orchestra's virtuosity and the enduring beauty of Strauss's melodies.

The album's success was a testament to Oberstein's keen understanding of his audience's tastes and his ability to curate content that resonated with listeners across generations. By focusing on evergreen content, Varsity Records minimized financial risk and ensured that its catalog would stand the test of time.

Today, as collectors and music enthusiasts unearth the gems of the budget-label era, Varsity Records' legacy is being rediscovered and celebrated. Eli Oberstein's vision of making music accessible and affordable resonates with music lovers worldwide.

Oberstein's pioneering spirit has an impact far beyond Varsity Records. His innovative approach to content curation, distribution, and monetization laid the groundwork for the modern music industry. From the rise of streaming platforms to the resurgence of vinyl, Oberstein's influence can be seen in every corner of the music world.

The Bob Stanley Orchestra's renditions of Strauss Waltzes on Varsity 6901 LP offer a glimpse into the timeless beauty of classical music. Each track is a masterclass in orchestral performance, showcasing the musicians' skill and artistry.

As the opening notes of "Voices of Spring" fill the air, listeners are immediately transported to a world of elegance and refinement. The orchestra's lush harmonies and soaring melodies perfectly capture the joyous spirit of Strauss's composition.

The album's centerpiece, "The Blue Danube," is a testament to the enduring power of Strauss's music. The Bob Stanley Orchestra's rendition captures the sweeping grandeur of the waltz, from the gentle ebb and flow of the opening notes to the triumphant crescendo of the finale.

Other tracks, such as the "Emperor Waltz" and "You And You," showcase the orchestra's versatility and ability to convey a wide range of emotions through music. From the regal splendor of the former to the tender intimacy of the latter, each track is a gem in its own right.

Listening to the Bob Stanley Orchestra's renditions of Strauss Waltzes, one cannot help but be struck by the sheer artistry on display. The orchestra's ability to bring these timeless compositions to life is a testament to their skill and dedication.


Each musician's contribution is evident in the richness of the sound and the precision of the performances. From the soaring strings to the shimmering woodwinds, every orchestra element comes together to create a seamless tapestry of sound.

It is easy to take for granted the talent and hard work that goes into creating such beautiful music. The Bob Stanley Orchestra's performances serve as a reminder of the countless hours of practice and rehearsal that go into perfecting each note and phrase.

In a world where music is often consumed in bite-sized chunks and attention spans are limited, the Bob Stanley Orchestra's renditions of Strauss Waltzes offer a refreshing reminder of the power of classical music to captivate and inspire.

As the final notes of "Tales From The Vienna Woods" fade away, we are left with a profound appreciation for classical music's enduring legacy. Strauss's waltzes, composed over a century ago, continue to resonate with audiences today, thanks in no small part to the efforts of musicians like the Bob Stanley Orchestra and visionaries like Eli Oberstein.

The Varsity 6901 LP is more than just a collection of beautifully performed waltzes. It is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and place, to speak to the human experience in a way that words alone cannot.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, the timeless beauty of Strauss's melodies offers a sense of comfort and stability. The Bob Stanley Orchestra's renditions remind us that certain truths endure no matter how much the world may change: the power of art to inspire, the beauty of the human spirit, and the unbreakable bonds of our shared humanity.

Eli Oberstein, the Bob Stanley Orchestra, and Varsity Records may be but footnotes in the grand history of music, but their contributions to the art form are immeasurable. They remind us that music is not just a commodity to be bought and sold but a precious gift to be cherished and shared.**

As we listen to these timeless waltzes, we are reminded of the power of music to lift our spirits, unite us in shared experiences, and guide us through the twists and turns of life's great symphony. For that, we owe a debt of gratitude to the visionaries and artists who have dedicated their lives to bringing this beauty into the world.

Track List

A  Voices Of Spring

B  Southern Roses

C  You And You

D  Emperor Waltz

E  Thousand And One Night

F  Blue Danube

G  Wine, Woman And Song

H  Tales From The Vienna Woods