Twenty Thousand Hertz
Industrial Musicals: The Golden Age of corporate showtunes
Feb 21, 2024
Discover the world of industrial musicals, where companies entertained employees with elaborate Broadway-style productions. Hear about the history, significance, and one man's obsession with this forgotten corner of pop culture. Dive into the intriguing tales of bathroom remodeling, corporate art, and catchy songs about products.
34:22
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Quick takeaways
- Industrial musicals were elaborate private shows by companies to motivate employees, promote products, and educate at sales events.
- Despite lacking mainstream recognition, the exceptional musicianship of industrial musicals moves audiences with heartfelt storytelling.
Deep dives
The Rise of Industrial Musicals
Industrial musicals were a unique form of entertainment created by corporations for private audiences of employees. These musicals, with full sets, costumes, and original lyrics, aimed to motivate employees, promote products, and educate at sales shows and conventions. Starting in the 1950s and popular until the mid-80s, industrial musicals were often big-budget productions, with some even rivaling Broadway shows. While many of these musicals were forgotten and lost to time, collectors and enthusiasts like Steve Young have brought attention to this genre.
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