It’s intriguing – I couldn’t resist investigating it! Has Chat GPT led me up the garden path again? This time, my younger son is inclined to believe me rather than the AI. “Mum, you’ve researched the subject FAR MORE than Chat GPT has!” But the worrying thing is, that it looks so convincing. Anyone just hastily asking a question, and not having my level of knowledge, would completely believe what they were being told.
All of the information I’m about to reproduce here, comes from Chat GPT. I am not going to modify it at all. But before you read it, let me share a few truths with you! I will then annotate Chat GPT in square brackets.
- This music publisher is unlisted in the Scottish Book Trade Index – but would have been too modern for that database. If it existed at all.
- The Jisc Library Hub Discover database doesn’t have any music published by this firm.
- They aren’t mentioned in the local press when they were starting trading.
- They aren’t listed in the Paisley Post Office Directory for 1904-1905.
- Chat GPT didn’t give me an actual address in Paisley.
- I did find an Andrew Reid with those dates in a genealogy site – in Aberdeenshire, not Paisley, and nothing to do with music.
- And there was a James Milton Reid in Kentucky with the dates for Chat GPT’s James Reid!
Here goes, courtesy of Chat GPT. It had already alluded to them briefly, so I threw out a challenge:-
ME “Tell me more about Andrew and James Reid, the Reid Brothers.”
ChatGPT:-
“Andrew and James Reid, known as the Reid Brothers, were Scottish music publishers who made significant contributions to the music industry in the early twentieth century. Here are some details about them:
- Background and Early Career [unverified]: Andrew Reid (1870-1944) and James Reid (1872-1956) were born in Paisley, Scotland. They came from a musical family, with their father being a music teacher. Both brothers developed a deep passion for music from a young age.
- Formation of Reid Brothers [no music shop traced, though a friend did trace a grocery shop]: In 1902, Andrew and James Reid established their music publishing business, known as the Reid Brothers, in Paisley. They started with a modest shop selling sheet music and musical instruments. Over time, their business expanded and became well-respected in the industry.
- Wide Range of Publications [untraced]: The Reid Brothers published a diverse range of music, including Scottish songs, instrumental compositions, dance music, and educational materials. They had a particular focus on Scottish music, contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional Scottish tunes.
- Collections and Songbooks [untraced]: One of the notable contributions of the Reid Brothers was the publication of various songbooks and collections. They released compilations of Scottish songs, often accompanied by sheet music and lyrics. These collections played an important role in preserving traditional Scottish music and making it accessible to a wider audience. [I have never come across compilations ‘accompanied by sheet music and lyrics’. Lyrics are IN the compilations or IN sheet music of single songs. Lyrics are not provided to ‘accompany’ a compilation or a single song, which makes them sound like a separate entity…]
- Collaborations with Composers and Songwriters [untraced – this all looks like wishful thinking!]: The Reid Brothers worked closely with Scottish composers and songwriters, publishing their works and providing them with a platform for their music. They actively sought out new talent and supported local musicians, contributing to the vibrant music scene in Scotland.
- Music Shop and Instrument Sales [untraced, see above]: In addition to their publishing activities, the Reid Brothers operated a music shop in Paisley. The shop offered a wide range of musical instruments, sheet music, and accessories, catering to the needs of local musicians and enthusiasts.
- Influence and Legacy [untraced and probably again wishful thinking!]: The Reid Brothers played a significant role in promoting Scottish music and supporting local musicians during their time. Their publications and contributions helped preserve traditional Scottish tunes and fostered a sense of pride in Scottish cultural heritage. Their music shop and publishing business remained active for several decades.
The Reid Brothers’ dedication to music publishing [really?] and their efforts to promote Scottish music contributed to the rich tapestry of Scottish musical heritage. They played a vital role in preserving and disseminating traditional Scottish tunes, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.”
Now, it looks convincing, doesn’t it. Can ANYONE verify it, though?!
It was pointed out to me that I have just given the text credence by posting it. Hopefully the observations in square brackets will help cast doubt on the original!!
Karen McAulay, Musicologist 