Final answer:
During the Swing Era, the recording industry was indeed controlled by a small number of record labels, making the correct answer to the question a) True.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed pertains to the control of the recording industry during the Swing Era, which is commonly known to have been dominated by a small number of record labels. This situation is typical of many entertainment industries, where a few companies often gain significant influence. This phenomenon is not unique to the Swing Era, but the concentration of power in the hands of a few was particularly notable during that time due to the burgeoning popularity of swing music and the economic structures of the entertainment business. The correct answer to whether a small number of record labels controlled the recording industry during the Swing Era is a) True.