Biography

Pioneer recording executive. Born October 19, 1889. Died February 10, 1986. Full name: Arthur Edward Satherley. AKA: “Uncle Art”. Worked for Paramount during the early 1920s, scouting and recording country and blues performers. Joined the American Record Corporation (ARC) in 1929 and eventually became head of the country and blues A&R departments. Columbia Records purchased ARC in 1938 and he became Columbia’s chief country producer, 1938-1952. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1974 June 27 (5 hours, 53 minutes) Pioneer music executive Art Satherley recalls highlights from his career. Discussion includes his emigration from England; the development of his career at the Wisconsin Chair Company; his introduction to the recording business and a description of early record pressing techniques; his introduction to recording and his growing interest in country music; working for the American Record Corporation; experiences working as a producer during World War II; memories of his work with Gene Autry, Stuart Hamblen, Roy Acuff, Don Law, Bob Wills, Fred Rose, and others; and memories of his experiences traveling and recording and promoting country and blues music.