Interview with Clair Krepps. March 23, 1999

Interview Summary

In this interview with audio engineer and entrepreneur Clair Krepps, Krepps starts out by discussing his childhood in Pennsylvania and talks about how the United States' entry into World War II led him to become a radio engineer in the United States Navy. He then talks about his time at Capitol Records in the mid-1940s and 1950s. He talks at length about the musicians with whom he worked, such as Nat King Cole, Connie Francis, Peggy Lee, and many others. He also talks about the Sapphire Club and the Audio Engineering Society (AES), both of which he was a part. Krepps talks about mastering records, as well as the 'war of the speeds' between RCA Victor Records and Columbia Records. He also talks about record speeds and the recording of the album 'Hark! The Years!,' which utilized wax cylinder recordings of famous celebrities. Krepps then talks about his time at MGM Records, including a discussion of his boss, Frank Walker. He talks about the unions, as well as the clientele with whom he worked. Krepps also describes a typical recording session. He then goes on to talk about his failed record pressing plant scheme with Emory Cook in Puerto Rico. Krepps talks about his friend, Les Paul, and the development of multi-track recording. He also discusses record volume and his own businesses, Mayfair Recording and Knickerbocker Sound Studios.

Interview Keyword

Krepps, Clair Unions Cook, Emory MGM Records Capitol Records Recording studios Soundtracks Recording lathes Mayfair Recording Lee, Peggy Knickerbocker Sound Studios Mastering Soundtracks

Interview LC Subject

Sound--Recording and reproducing Sound--Recording and reproducing--History Sound recording industry Sound recording industry--History Sound recordings Record labels. Music History of science and technology Capitol Records, Inc. Lee, Peggy Columbia Records, Inc. RCA Records

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.