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Blue Rock Records

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Blue Rock Records was a subsidiary of Mercury Records, and like their parent, based in Chicago between 1964 and 1969.[1]

Despite their name, they didn't release blues or rock, concentrating almost exclusively on soul music, with a fair number of the singles echoing Chi-town styles popularized by Curtis Mayfield and other local producers and writers.

Highlights included a version of "Mustang Sally" by its author, Sir Mack Rice.[2]

Big names past their hit-making prime, such as (The Shirelles), and in experimental phases (bluesmen Junior Wells and Junior Parker), cut records for the label.

The best known Blue Rock Records artist was Dee Dee Warwick.

Otis Leavill, Tony Diamond, Johnnie Mae Matthews, Little Rose Little, Big Tim & The Empires, Janeen Henry, Big Frank & The Essences, Johnny Moore, Kenny Carlton, Bobby Hutton, The Commotions, Brothers Of Love, Johnny & Jake, Shirley Wahls & Spouse, Renaldo Domino and Dizzy Jones were also on the roster.

The 90's 2-CD collection of the label's output Lost and Found: The Blue Rock Records Story, is out of print but is still available used.

See also

References

  1. ^ Neill, Andy (2011). Had Me a Real Good Time: The Faces Before During and After. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-1-7832-3619-0.
  2. ^ Mehr, Bob (June 27, 2016). "'Mustang Sally' author 'Sir' Mack Rice dies". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved March 8, 2018.