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.
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.
The Hidden Talents and Stories of Industrial Musicals
What makes industrial musicals so intriguing is the exceptional musicianship and craftsmanship found in the songs. Composers like Hank Beebe and Sid Segal poured their talent into creative, catchy tunes about companies, workers, and products. Despite not receiving recognition or respect from the mainstream industry, the music and performances of industrial musicals can move audiences and employees with heartfelt storytelling. The documentary 'Bathtubs Over Broadway' and Steve Young's collection of records have uncovered these talents and stories, giving artists the recognition they deserved.
The Decline and Legacy of Industrial Musicals
By the early 80s, the popularity of industrial musicals started to wane. A new generation of workers with different tastes and interests led to a decline in these shows. While corporate events and performances still exist, they rarely reach the spectacle and scale of industrial musicals. Nevertheless, the impact of these unique productions can still be felt today. Collectors like Steve Young and documentaries like 'Bathtubs Over Broadway' have introduced a new generation to the beauty, craft, and historical significance of industrial musicals, ensuring that this forgotten corner of pop culture is preserved and appreciated for years to come.
For more than three decades, it was common for American companies to put on “industrial musicals” for their employees. These elaborate productions could rival Broadway shows, and featured original songs about the company and its products. And while this music was never intended for the general public, once you hear it for yourself, you might just get hooked. This is a story about bathroom remodeling, corporate art, and one man’s obsession with a forgotten corner of pop culture. Featuring comedy writer and collector Steve Young.