Interview with Thomas and Louise Boddie, February 14, 1996

Interview Summary

This is an interview with Thomas and Louise Boddie, owners of the first African American-owned and operated studio in Cleveland, Ohio known as Boddie Recording Studio. It begins with a discussion of Thomas Boddie's background. He talks about his time in the armed forces during World War II. When he returned home, he started a recording studio in Cleveland (Ohio).

Boddie then goes on to talk about his work with various musical artists and the evolution of technology in Cleveland (Ohio). He also talks about the clientele with whom he worked and the effect that the Cincinnati Riots had on their recording business. Next, Boddie talks about founding Boddie Recording. He talks about the recording technology that was available at the time, such as limiters. He also talks about his experience recording on location. Finally, Thomas and Louise Boddie discuss financing Boddie Recording, as well as a personal run-in with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Finally, the Boddies discuss the future of the recording industry.

Interview Keyword

Boddie, Thomas Boddie, Louise Boddie Recording Recording studios Record labels Cleveland (Ohio) Recording business African Americans

Interview LC Subject

Sound--Recording and reproducing Sound--Recording and reproducing--History Sound recording industry Sound recording industry--History Sound recordings Record labels Music History of science and technology African Americans Cleveland (Ohio)--History African Americans--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.