Rip It Up: The Specialty Records Story (RPM Series)

Rip It Up: The Specialty Records Story (RPM Series)

Launched by legendary music industry executive Art Rupe in the mid-1940s, the Los Angeles-based Specialty Records emerged as one of the most important independent labels for African-American music in the twentieth century. Recognizing that competing with major record companies was a losing battle, Rupe headed to Central Avenue, the center of L.A.â€™s black community, where he spent $200 on what were then known as â€œrace records.â€ He carefully analyzed each, developing his own formula for a successful venture. Soon, Specialty was scoring R&B hits with artists such as Roy Milton, Camille Howard, Jimmy and Joe Liggins, and Percy Mayfield. Drawn to the music of New Orleans, Rupe went on to sign Lloyd Price, who topped the charts with â€œLawdy Miss Clawdy.â€ It was through Price that Specialty acquired its best-known artist, Little Richard. After â€œTutti Fruttiâ€ exploded in 1955, Richard and the label scored a string of successes with â€œLong Tall Sally,â€ â€œLucille,â€ â€œKeep A Knockinâ€™,â€ â€œGood Golly Miss Molly,â€ and more. In addition to R&B and the emerging sounds of rock â€™nâ€™ roll, Rupe was particularly drawn to the sounds of the church. Black gospel music was an essential element of his company, with a roster that included stars of the genre, such as Sam Cookeâ€™s Soul Stirrers, Sister Wynona Carr, Brother Joe May, Alex Bradford and the Bradford Specials, and others. From behind-the-scenes producers Robert â€œBumpsâ€ Blackwell, J.W. Alexander, Harold Battiste, and Sonny Bono, to R&B recording stars Floyd Dixon, Guitar Slim, Jesse Belvin, Larry Williams, and Don and Dewey, this is the story of the legendary Specialty Records.
Country USA
Brand Bmg Books
Manufacturer BMG Books
Binding Paperback
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781947026360
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

Country	USA
Brand	Bmg Books
Manufacturer	BMG Books
Binding	Paperback
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781947026360
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00