M-G-M Recordings Library

In August, 1985, prior to being sold to Lorimar, M-G-M donated its record library to the Institute. Over the years, the studio had a standing order to acquire every commercial record issued by all the leading labels. In addition, there were hundreds of privately cut, one-of-a-kind test discs used to audition prospective performers or sample obscure musical selections. Not only were these discs never intended for public sale, but most have not been played since they were created.

Kathryn Grayson Test Recordings

Kathryn Grayson test recording with piano accompaniment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, June 16, 1940. “I’ll See You Again” from Bittersweet by Noel Coward.

Kathryn Grayson test recordings with piano, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, June 19, 1940. “Sempre Libera” from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.

Kathryn Grayson test recording with orchestra, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, July 8, 1940. “I’ll See You Again” from Bittersweet by Noel Coward.

Kathryn Grayson test recordings with orchestra, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, November 16 and 19, 1940. “Mad Scene” from Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti. She performed the aria in Andy Hardy’s Personal Secretary, released the following year.

Tamara Test Recordings

Tamara test recordings with piano, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, July 19, 1938. “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” from the stage production of Roberta and “Lovely to Look at” from the film version of Roberta.