Groove Records

Groove Records (subsidiary of RCA) was founded by Billboard reporter Bob Rolontz (né Robert Rolontz; 1921–2000) in 1953 as a rhythm and blues label.^[1] The label tried hard to break into the R&B market. Piano Red was its first hit but Mickey & Sylvia was its first big seller. The label also recorded King Curtis, Arthur Crudup, Brook Benton and little George Benson.^[2] Following Mickey & Sylvia's big hit "Love Is Strange" in 1957, Groove was deactivated and its remaining artists switched over to RCA's Vik subsidiary.

In 1961, Groove was revived with more of a country music bent, and some pop acts. It was given a full revival in 1963.^[3] Artists who recorded for the later incarnation of Groove included Sonny James, Justin Tubb, Marty Paich, Johnny Nash, Jack Scott, Johnnie Ray, Skip Battin (of Skip & Flip fame), and Charlie Rich.^[4] This version of the label lasted until 1965.

See also

• List of record labels

Footnotes

1. ↑ Gillett, Charlie (1996). The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll ((2nd Ed.) ed.). New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press. p. 86. ISBN 0-306-80683-5. 
2. ↑ Shaw, Arnold (1978). Honkers and Shouters. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. pp. 460–466. ISBN 0-02-061740-2. 
3. ↑ "Billboard - Google Books". Books.google.com. 1963-03-16. Retrieved 2014-06-14. 
4. ↑ Global Dog Productions - 45 RPM Groove Records discography. Retrieved 2012-02-12.