So this week we're going to start a three part series on the Focus that looks at three different record labels. This week we are going to start off with Stax Records. Home to everyone from Sam and Dave to Otis Redding the label was in operation from 1959 to 1976.
Stax was essentially responsible for the sound of soul music as we know it. Originally started in an old, converted movie theater, founders Jim Stewart his sister Estelle Axton produced an extremely raw sound that attracted the help of larger labels such as Atlantic. With its larger distribution power, and ever so grooving style, Stax was able to sail high through the Sixties. We will look at the rise, fall, and even the recent revival of the label thanks to Justin Timberlake! Oh and we can't forget about Booker T. & The MG's - they were the house band for Stax. Look up the word 'groove' in the dictionary, there should be a picture of these guys.
The week after we will look at Rough Trade Records (Galaxie 500, The Smiths) and to top things off, week three will hit home as we look at Minneapolis label, Twin/Tone (The Replacements,The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum). Each week we will also take a closer look at what exactly a label does, what its responsibilities are, and what actually happens when a band gets signed.
As always, The Friday Focus airs every Friday morning at 8:00 during Rock 'n' Roll Over with Jenny. Tune the dial on your radio to 770 AM or go online to www.radiok.org to get our web stream.
Playlist
Sam & Dave - Soul Man
Wilson Picket - 634-5789 (Soulville, USA)
Booker T. & The MG's - Can't Be Still
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