Groove Records
Groove Records was a subsidiary of RCA Victor records, founded by Billboard reporter Bob Rolontz (né Robert Rolontz; 1921–2000) in 1953 as a rhythm and blues label.[1] The label tried hard to break into the R&B market. Piano Red was its first hit but Mickey & Sylvia was its first big seller. The label also recorded King Curtis, Arthur Crudup, Brook Benton and little George Benson.[2] Following Mickey & Sylvia's big hit "Love Is Strange" in 1957, Groove was deactivated and its remaining artists switched over to RCA's Vik subsidiary.
In 1961, Groove was revived with more of a country music bent, and some pop acts. It was given a full revival in 1963.[3] Artists who recorded for the later incarnation of Groove included Sonny James, Justin Tubb, Marty Paich, Johnny Nash, Jack Scott, Johnnie Ray, Skip Battin (of Skip & Flip fame), and Charlie Rich.[4] This version of the label lasted until 1965.
See also
Footnotes
- ^ Gillett, Charlie (1996). The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll ((2nd Ed.) ed.). New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press. p. 86. ISBN 0-306-80683-5.
- ^ Shaw, Arnold (1978). Honkers and Shouters. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. pp. 460–466. ISBN 0-02-061740-2.
- ^ Billboard - Google Books. Books.google.com. 1963-03-16. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
- ^ Global Dog Productions - 45 RPM Groove Records discography. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
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