Apollo Records
Bess Berman (born Bessie Merenstein on July 14, 1902 in New York City; died August 8, 1968) was an important figure in the American music industry as a record label manager.
In 1944, she co-founded Apollo Records in New York City with her husband Isaac “Ike” Berman, Herman “Hy” Siegel, and Sam Schneider. Apollo Records was an independent label that played a crucial role in promoting gospel and R&B musicians.
Bess Berman took over as head of Apollo Records in 1948 and ran it until the label closed in 1962. She was one of the few female executives in the record industry at the time. Her nephew was record producer and manager Lewis Merenstein. In the 2021 biographical television film “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia,” the character of Bess Berman was portrayed by actress Kerry Sandomirsky.
Bess Berman and her co-founded label Apollo Records played a decisive role in the career of legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
Discovery and contract
In 1946, Mahalia Jackson was discovered by talent scout Art Freeman, who introduced her to Bess and Ike Berman of Apollo Records. Berman was deeply impressed by Jackson's voice and offered her a recording contract.
Initial successes
Although Jackson's first recordings at Apollo did not immediately catch on, Freeman Berman convinced her to give her another chance. This led to the recording of “Move On Up a Little Higher” in 1947, a groundbreaking hit that sold over a million copies and made Jackson famous nationwide. Her success at Apollo Records established Mahalia Jackson as the undisputed “Queen of Gospel.” Under Bess Berman's management, Jackson released numerous other successful gospel songs on Apollo in the following years.
Bermans' support
Bess Bermann recognized Mahalia Jackson's extraordinary talent and gave her the artistic freedom to make her gospel music, even though there were attempts to push her toward blues. Bermann was committed to making Mahalia's music accessible to a wide audience.
Extensive recordings
Between 1946 and 1954, Mahalia Jackson released a total of 71 singles on Apollo Records. These recordings are considered seminal works of gospel blues and include both traditional hymns and contemporary gospel compositions.
End of cooperation
In 1954, Mahalia Jackson moved to Columbia Records, then the largest record label in the US. This ended her successful and influential time at Apollo Records under the management of Bess Berman. In summary, it can be said that Bess Berman and Apollo Records played a decisive role in Mahalia Jackson's rise to become a global gospel star. Berman recognized her talent early on, promoted her music, and thus contributed to Jackson becoming an icon of music history.