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

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. s black community where he spent $200 on what were then known as race records. 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 Lawdy Miss Clawdy. It was through Price that Specialty acquired its best-known artist Little Richard. After Tutti Frutti exploded in 1955 Richard and the label scored a string of successes with Long Tall Sally Lucille Keep A Knockin Good Golly Miss Molly and more. In addition to R&B and the emerging sounds of rock n 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 Cooke s Soul Stirrers Sister Wynona Carr Brother Joe May Alex Bradford and the Bradford Specials and others. From behind-the-scenes producers Robert Bumps 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.