The Hit Record

U.S. label (1942-1945). Another in a line of shadowy record labels produced by Eli Oberstein that was embroiled in controversy and intrigue in the 1940s. This label was pressed by the Scranton Record Company and credited to either Classic Record Company or Elite Record Mfgers. This was a cheaply produced label and retailed for 50¢ in dime stores and Firestone service stations. Controversy entangling Hit involved speculation that Eli Oberstein continued to release new material during the Petrillo recording ban in 1942-43. Eli Oberstein contended that he acquired recordings from Mexico, but evidence exists that selections were recorded in clandestine hotel-room sessions involving non-union musicians. At the same time, Eli Oberstein filled out the Hit catalog with reissues of earlier material previously released on Royale and Varsity. This included material to which Eli Oberstein might not have owned the rights. Due to these allegations, Eli Oberstein was expelled from the American Federation of Musicians. Oberstein sold the label to Majestic in 1945 and returned to his former employer, the Radio Corporation Of America. He briefly revived the Hit label in 1950.