Biography

Don Law: Music industry executive. Born February 24, 1902. Died December 20, 1982. Worked under American Records Corporation country producer Uncle Art Satherley from mid-1930s until Satherley’s leaving ARC successor Columbia Records in 1952. Head of Columbia’s country music division during the 1950s-mid-1960s. His artist roster included Johnny Horton, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, and Ray Price. Retired from Columbia in 1967. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.
Art Satherly: 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 October 18
(37 minutes)
Music industry executives Don Law and Art Satherley describe their experiences during the early years of country music recording. Their discussion features descriptions of early recording equipment and techniques; and their experiences recording from remote sites.