January 31, 1925: Number 1 Song
January 31, 1925: What was the number 1 song in the USA on that day?
The phonograph, graphophone and other players purely mechanical devices through the 1920s. However, in 1924, Columbia began experiments with a new technology developed by the Western Electric Company (the division of AT&T that made telephones and related equipment). Western Electric’s recorder used electronic amplifiers to drive an electromagnetic cutting head, rather than relying on the acoustic horn. The result was a louder, clearer record. In the beginning, the record players still relied on acoustic playback with a horn, but as the home radio became popular, it became more common for people to purchase record players that had electric motors and electronic amplifiers. Some of them had a built-in loudspeaker, while others plugged into specially equipped radio sets and played through them. While some said the new “Orthophonic” records sounded harsh, they soon dominated the market.
The number 1 song in the USA on January 31, 1925 was Tea for Two by Ben Bernie & His Orchestra, according to the music chart for the week January 26th and February 1st.
Ben Bernie & His Orchestra - Tea for Two
Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra - Mandy, Make Up Your Mind
Cliff Edwards - All Alone