US record label founded by Syd Nathan in 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio as a subsidiary of King Records (3) and operated until the early 1970s. In 1951 Ralph Bass became a partner, and began managing the label, sourcing the talent, and producing.
For company credits, please use Federal Records (2).
For unofficial releases, please use Federal (6).
The label originally had two divisions, a 'Hillbilly Series' and a 'Rhythm,
... MoreUS record label founded by Syd Nathan in 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio as a subsidiary of King Records (3) and operated until the early 1970s. In 1951 Ralph Bass became a partner, and began managing the label, sourcing the talent, and producing.
For company credits, please use Federal Records (2).
For unofficial releases, please use Federal (6).
The label originally had two divisions, a 'Hillbilly Series' and a 'Rhythm, Blues & Spiritual Series'. A publishing company Armo was also formed around the same time. The label was used as a vehicle for Billy Ward And His Dominoes, Hank Ballard & The Midnighters, and James Brown & The Famous Flames, among others. Johnny Otis also produced several singles for the label.
The brand was revived as a "best of" budget line by King Records, Inc. in the early 90s.
Help on identifying first pressings:
12001-12084 (1950–1952): Green label with gold top and "AA" following the number.
12085-12129 (1952–1953): Green label with gold top. No "AA" following the number.
12130-12196 (1953–1954): Green label with silver top. Some in this series were green with gold top.
12197-12244 (1954–1955): Green label without "Hi-Fidelity".
12245-12369 (1955–1959): Green label with "Hi-Fidelity" in small print. Dash (—) in the selection number between the "45" and 12,000 series number (i.e. 45—12496).
12370 and higher (1959 forward): Green label with "Hi-Fidelity" in larger print. Hyphen (-) in the selection number between the "45" and 12,000 series number (i.e. 45-12496).
Blue plastic issues exist between 12050 and approximately 12070.
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