Nipper was a Jack Russell Terrier who became famous for his role in the RCA Victor record label logo, which was one of the most recognized logos of the 20th century. The image of Nipper listening to a gramophone record has become an iconic symbol of the music industry, and his story is one of the most heartwarming tales in the history of advertising.
Nipper was born in Bristol, England, in 1884, and his original name was “Russell”. He was the pet of Mark Barraud, a theatrical scenery designer who was also an amateur inventor and a keen phonograph enthusiast. Barraud owned a number of gramophones, which he would tinker with in his spare time, and Russell became fascinated by the machine and its music.
One day, while Barraud was setting up his gramophone to play a recording of his late brother’s voice, Russell jumped up and began to listen intently to the sound coming from the horn. Barraud was struck by the sight of his dog listening to the voice of his departed brother, and he immediately saw the potential for a powerful advertising image.
Barraud began to sketch his dog listening to the gramophone, and the image soon caught the attention of the Gramophone Company, which was looking for a new logo to promote its products. The company purchased the rights to the image, and it soon became one of the most recognizable logos in the world.
The image of Nipper listening to the gramophone became an instant hit, and it soon started appearing on record labels, advertisements, and other promotional materials. The image became associated with high-quality sound and became a symbol of the recording industry.
Nipper’s fame continued to grow over the years, and he even made appearances in movies and television shows. He was featured in a series of cartoons in the 1950s and 1960s, and he appeared in a number of commercials for RCA Victor products.
Despite his success, Nipper remained a humble and loyal dog who was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a gentle nature and a playful personality, and he was always eager to please his owners.
In the end, Nipper’s legacy lives on through his image, which continues to inspire artists and musicians around the world. His story is a testament to the power of advertising and the enduring appeal of a loyal and loving pet.
Today, Nipper’s image is still widely recognized, and it continues to be used as a symbol of the recording industry. His story is a reminder of the important role that animals can play in our lives, and of the special bond that can exist between a pet and its owner. Nipper may have passed away many years ago, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.