Progressive Record Labels

Progressive Record Labels Progressive record labels—founded to promote left-wing or radical political agendas and mostly centered in New York City—have existed since the 1930s. Timely Records, launched by insurance salesman Leo Waldman, was the first company to specialize in left-wing/protest music, beginning in 1935 with an album by the New Singers performing “Rise Up,” “The Soup Song,” and “The Internationale.” Two years later Timely issued an album by the Manhattan Chorus, with “Hold the…