I always thought they just filled a niche that no one else was interested in filling. After reading this wiki thing, I see I am right. If other established labels had been willing to record Jazz, there may have never been a BN. Of course all this was brought about due to 'social conditions' and 'race' music.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Note_RecordsThe article says Lion was drafted in 1941 for two years. That would mean he was discharged in the middle of the war. WTF?
There no easier way to make money than having an entire market to yourself.
I wonder why we always think BN was run by Jazz lovers, but don't think DG was run by Classical lovers. At least I never did.
Of course they are all now part of faceless multinationals.
O-10: Aficionados of the world, UNITE!! You have nothing to lose but your LPs.
Cheers