Bethlehem Records

US label founded in the early 1950's by Swiss-born Gustav Wildi (also known as Gustav Wildi). Also appears as "Bethlehem" only.
Label Code: LC 0098 / LC 00098
After failing to make it in the pop market, Wildi under the influence of King Records (3) half ownership as payment for distribution and in 1962 Wildi sold King Records the second half of Bethlehem Records. Label art at a point had the same layout as King Records.

In 1976, Cayre Industries Inc., the Caytronics parent company, the purchase was described "one of Caytronics' most ambitious projects of last year was the purchase of the pace -setting Bethlehem jazz label. It has achieved the re- establishing of this internationally famous jazz label to its former esteem and predominance within the recording industry."

Cayre Corp produced and distributed the 15-volume Bethlehem's Finest compilation series as well as a number of individual artist releases. The compilation series was not electronically processed for stereo and were issued in monaural as originally issued.

It is now owned by Verse Music Group LLC (VMG).

For unofficial releases, see Bethlehem Records (3)