Arthur Shimkin was an American record executive, producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Golden Records and Bell Records. In 1948, while associated with Simon & Schuster, Shimkin helped establish Golden Records as a major producer of children’s recordings, creating an innovative business model that combined music, storytelling, and children’s books. The label became particularly successful through its affordable Little Golden Records series.
In 1952, Shimkin turned his attention to the adult market and founded Bell Records in New York City. Initially operated through the Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books organization, Bell specialized in inexpensive popular music, including budget-priced versions of current hits performed by lesser-known singers. Shimkin served as the label’s president and was also active in A&R and production. In 1954, he personally oversaw recording sessions for artists including Roy Rogers, with Bell handling country and popular material while Golden Records focused on children’s recordings.
Shimkin remained involved with Bell until 1959, when Al Massler succeeded him as president. He later continued working in children’s recording and publishing, including involvement with the Columbia Children’s Book and Record Library. He died in 2006 at the age of 84.
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[…] Records was an American record label founded in New York City by Arthur Shimkin, owner of the children’s label Golden Records. The label was initially associated with Pocket […]