Chelsea Records

Chelsea
Parent company Sony Music Entertainment
Founded 1972
Status Defunct since 1977
Distributor(s) Self-distributed
Genre Various
Country of origin United States

Chelsea Records was an American-based record company founded by musician, songwriter, and record producer Wes Farrell in 1972. Within its first four months, it released its first gold single, "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast" by Wayne Newton.[1] In addition to Newton, Chelsea featured a number of new and accomplished artists like Tommy Boyce, Jim Gilstrap, Lulu, and Rick Springfield.[2]<ref name="Lichtman_1996> Lichtman, Irv (March 16, 1996). "Songwriter/Exec Wes Farrell Dies". Billboard 108 (11): 118. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2012-11-25.</ref>

A sublabel, Roxbury Records, focused on the soul and R&B market and scored a million-selling hit with William DeVaughn's Be Thankful for What You Got in 1974.

RCA Records originally handled distribution for Chelsea, but Farrell switched to independent distributors in 1974,[3] and later did its own distribution.<ref name="Williams_1976> Williams, Jean (October 16, 1976). "Birthright Records in Campaign". Billboard 88 (42): 47. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2012-11-25.</ref> Ultimately, RCA absorbed the label in 1977.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Chelsea Hits Gold—Fast". Billboard 84 (31): 3. July 29, 1972. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  2. ↑ Sutherland, Sam (April 14, 1973). "Studio Track". Billboard 85 (15): 18. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  3. ↑ "Chelsea Switches From RCA to Indie Dist's.". Billboard 86 (25): 6. June 22, 1974. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  4. ↑ "Chelsea Records". RateYourMusic.com. Retrieved 2012-11-25.