Colpix Records
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Colpix Records was the first recording company for Columbia Pictures/Screen Gems. Colpix got its name from combining Columbia (Col) and Pictures (Pix), and was founded by Stu Phillips in the late-1950s. Lester Sill later headed the label, after breaking with Philles Records partner Phil Spector.
Artists for the label included Lou Christie, James Darren, Paul Petersen, Shelley Fabares (the latter two also costars of The Donna Reed Show) and the Marcels. Two of the label's best known number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Charts were "Blue Moon" by the Marcels in the spring of 1961, and Shelley Fabares' "Johnny Angel" in the spring of 1962.
Colpix also released a soundtrack album of Hanna-Barbera cartoons. It included actual dialogue tracks from Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, and Pixie and Dixie, and the recording was narrated by Daws Butler, speaking in the voice of Huckleberry Hound.
The label was discontinued in 1966, and was promptly replaced by Colgems Records, which was primarily used for releases by The Monkees during their four-year existence. Prior to their involvement with The Monkees, Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith had each signed to Colpix Records as solo artists.
Nina Simone also recorded for Colpix. A fine album is available: Nina Simone - The Best of the Colpix Years. Rhino Records issued a double compact disc compilation, The Colpix-Dimension Story, in 1994, which also included selections from Dimension Records, a related label.
