How to Cite a Music Recording in Chicago Format

Understanding Music Recording Citations in Chicago Format

Music recordings are valuable sources in musicology, cultural studies, and historical research. Proper citation of recordings helps readers access the specific version you analyzed and acknowledges the performers and creators.

Chicago format for music recordings varies depending on what aspect you’re citing—the composer, the performer, or the overall album. The citation includes composer/artist information, track and album titles, record label, and recording date.

Chicago Format for Music Recordings (Notes-Bibliography)

Composer/Artist First Name Last Name, “Song Title,” Album Title, label, recording date/year, track number.

Example:

1. The Beatles, "A Day in the Life," *Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band*, Parlophone, 1967, track 13.

Full Note Citation for Music Recording

Composer First Name Last Name, “Composition Title,” performed by Performer Name, Album Title, record label, date, track number, format.

Example:

1. John Williams, "Imperial March," performed by London Symphony Orchestra, *The Empire Strikes Back*, Fox Records, 1980, track 7, CD.

Short Note Citation

Composer/Artist Last Name, “Song Title,” track number.

Example:

2. Lennon and McCartney, "A Day in the Life," track 13.

Bibliography Entry for Music Recording

Composer/Artist Last Name, First Name. “Song Title.” Album Title. Label, Year. Track #.

Example:

Beatles, The. "A Day in the Life." Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Parlophone, 1967. Track 13.

Key Citation Elements

Composer/Artist Name

Include the name as credited on the recording.

Song Title

The song title appears in quotation marks.

Album Title

The album title is italicized.

Performer (if different from composer)

Include the performer after “performed by.”

Record Label

Include the recording company name.

Date

Use the original recording or release date.

Track Number

Specify which track on the album.

Detailed Examples

Classical Music Recording

1. Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, performed by Berlin Philharmonic, conductor Herbert von Karajan, *Beethoven: Symphony No. 5*, Deutsche Grammophon, 1975, CD.

Jazz Recording

2. Miles Davis, "Kind of Blue," *Kind of Blue*, Columbia Records, 1959, track 1, vinyl.

Pop/Rock Album

3. Adele, "Rolling in the Deep," *21*, XL Recordings, 2010, track 1, streaming audio, Spotify.

Live Recording

4. Jimi Hendrix, "Foxy Lady," *Live at the Monterey Pop Festival*, Reprise, 1967, track 4, vinyl.

In-Text Citations for Music Recordings

Use superscript numbers corresponding to notes:

The opening motif establishes the emotional tone.¹

The full note would be:

1. Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 5, 1808, first movement.

Special Cases in Music Citation

Track from Streaming Service

1. Billie Eilish, "Bad Guy," *When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?*, Darkroom/Interscope Records, 2019, streaming audio, https://open.spotify.com.

Composer Without Specified Performers

2. Giuseppe Verdi, *La Traviata*, act 1, Vienna State Opera, 1992, CD.

Concert Recording

3. Bruce Springsteen, "Thunder Road," live recording, *Hammersmith Odeon, London, June 5, 1975*, Remaster, 2000, track 5, CD.

Using GenText for Music Citation Management

Managing citations for multiple music recordings and formats requires careful organization. GenText assists by:

• Formatting music recording citations in proper Chicago style
• Tracking composers, performers, and recording labels
• Managing different recording formats and dates
• Organizing by composer, album, or genre
• Converting between citation styles
• Generating bibliography entries
• Managing streaming service information

Common Mistakes with Music Citations

1. Confusing composer and performer: Clearly distinguish between who created and who performed.
2. Using incorrect album title: Verify the official album name.
3. Omitting track numbers: Always specify which track you’re citing.
4. Incorrect date: Use the original release date or recording date.
5. Missing format information: Specify vinyl, CD, digital, or streaming.

Checklist for Music Recording Citations

• Composer/artist name is correct
• Song title is in quotation marks
• Album title is italicized
• Record label is specified
• Recording date/year is accurate
• Track number is included
• Format is specified (CD, vinyl, streaming, etc.)
• URL is included (for streaming sources)

Finding Music Recording Information

To gather citation information for recordings:

1. Check the album cover and liner notes
2. Verify credits for composers and performers
3. Note the record label and release date
4. Identify the track number and duration
5. Confirm the format in which you accessed it

Understanding Musical Arrangements

When citing arranged compositions:

1. Cole Porter, "Night and Day," arranged by Nelson Riddle, *Ella Fitzgerald Sings Cole Porter*, Verve Records, 1956, track 3.

Music recordings preserve artistic performances and provide primary evidence of musical interpretation. Proper citation acknowledges the composers, performers, and recording engineers who created the work.