Fortune Records
Fortune Records was an American family operated, independent record label located in Detroit, Michigan from 1946 to 1995. The label owners were Jack and Devora Brown, their son Sheldon Brown recorded for the label. Original releases tapered off after 1972 aside from a few albums in the mid-1980s. Fortune specialized in R&B, blues, soul and doo-wop music, although the label also released pop, big band, hillbilly, gospel, rock and roll, and polka records.
History
Fortune released some doo-wop tunes by Nolan Strong & The Diablos, such as "The Wind" (Fortune 511, 1954), "The Way You Dog Me Around" (Fortune 518, 1955), and "Mind Over Matter" (Fortune 546, 1962). Other notable artists on Fortune included John Lee Hooker, Andre Williams, and Nathaniel Mayer & The Fabulous Twilights (whose release, "Village of Love," on both Fortune 545 and United Artists 449 in the spring of 1962, was perhaps its most popular release; it reached No. 22 pop and No. 16 R&B on the Billboard chart). "Village of Love" also made the Top Ten in local radio station surveys in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It was No. 1 in Detroit.[1]
Prior to "Village of Love," Fortune's biggest-selling record was likely "Bacon Fat" (Fortune 831 and Epic 9196, late 1956) by Andre Williams and His New Group (Which was 5 Dollars on Fortune not Epic), which featured Williams' proto-rap over a sleazy, bluesy arrangement. "Bacon Fat" (the name of the song refers to a dance) reached No. 9 R&B on the Billboard chart in early 1957 after it was leased to Columbia's Epic subsidiary for national distribution.
The Five Dollars were from Detroit and were originally known as The Shamrocks and The Del Torros. The members of the group were lead singer Eddie Hurt, tenors Lonnie Heard and Richard Lawrence, baritone James Drayton, and bass Charles Evans. After working on their music and stage presence, they picked up a manager named Sandy Amour and began to sing at area clubs and talent shows. What they were looking for most at the time was a chance to record, and soon in 1955 that goal was realized with a session at home town independent Fortune Records. On August 20, 1955 Dorothy Brown of Fortune announced the signing of the group along with Andre Williams (who was related through marriage to Eddie Hurt) who would also record with the Five Dollars.
The newly renamed Five Dollars recorded some songs for Fortune and in the late summer of 1955 the label released "Doctor Baby" and "Harmony Of Love" on # 821. Richard Lawrence was soon drafted into the military and so the Five Dollars became a vocal quartet. In October Fortune released "Going Down To Tijuana" and Jump, Shake, And Move" by Andre Williams and the group which was billed on the label as Andre Williams & The Don Juans which was released on #824. In December 1955, Fortune Records announces the release of The Five Dollars with "So Strange" and "You Know I Can't Refuse" on # 826. However, the record was not actually released until March 1956.
Early in 1956 the group recorded again as The Don Juans this time behind vocalist Joe Weaver on "Baby I Love You So" and "It Must Be Love" on # 825. During the spring the group once again as The Don Juans provided backup vocals - this time for vocalist Don Lake on the tunes "Oh Oh Those Eyes" and "Cha Cha Of Love" on Fortune # 520. In August 1956, an interesting bill was put together for a stage show in Windsor, Canada (right across the river from Detroit). Featured on the bill was Stan Kenton and his Progressive Jazz Orchestra, The NiteCaps, Diabolos, and the group now called The Four Dollars. That same month Fortune re-released "Going Down To Tia Juana" by Andre Williams & The Don Juans. In September "Bobby Jean" and "It's All Over" by Andre & The Don Juans is issued by Fortune on # 828, quickly followed by "Cool As A Cucumber" and "Going Back To Chicago" on # 829. In October back as The Five Dollars recorded "Hard Workin' Mama" and "I Will Wait" on # 830. Late in the year Andre Williams with The Don Juans hit with "Bacon Fat" and "Just Because Of A Kiss" on # 831. This time the record gets a lot of attention and generates sales especially in the Midwest.
In January 1957, Joe Weaver on vocals with The Don Juans records "Looka Here Pretty Baby" and "Baby Chile" on # 832. In April The group as The Five Dollars records the sequel called "How To Do The Bacon Fat" on # 833 with Fortune Records pushing the record as part of the dance craze with DJ radio contests as a tie in. The flip side is "You Fool". In May "You Are My Sunshine" and "Mean Jean" by Andre Williams & The Don Juans is released on # 834. In August Fortune releases "This Is A Miracle" and "Calypso Beat" on # 836 as by Little Eddie (Hurt) & The Don Juans. Andre Williams was back fronting the group on "My Tears" with Andre as a solo on "Jail Bait" on # 837. The group had one last record in 1957 with Andre on lead on "Come On Baby" and "The Greasy Chicken" on Fortune # 839
In 1958 Andre & The Don Juans recorded "My Last Dance With You" and "Hey ! Country Girl" on # 842. The Five Dollars record with Jim Sands on lead on the Hi-Q label with "We're Gonna Rock" and "You Don't Know My Mind" on # 5010. In December 1959, Andre Williams and Gino Parks with the Walter Hamilton Combo recorded "Georgia May Is Movin" with The Diabolos, and "Andre Williams Is Movin" with The Five Dollars on Fortune # 851. In 1960 there were two last records by the group. "That's The Way It Goes" and "My baby-Oh" on Fortune # 854, and as The Don Juans - "It's Nice" and "Our Chalypso Of Love" behind the lead vocals of Marsha Renay.
Record collectors often find Fortune's numbering system confusing because there were several series issued at once, and also because some particular record numbers were used more than once.
From the early 1950s to fall 1956, Fortune had a storefront at 11629 Linwood (now demolished). However, Fortune's best-known location was at 3942 Third Avenue in a small concrete block building. Fortune moved there in the fall of 1956 and stayed there until the mid-1990s, when the building was sold and vacated. (The landmark building was demolished late in 2001.) The storefront contained a record shop in the front (the Browns sold their product direct to the public) and the crude 18-by-40 studio in the rear (which originally had a dirt floor).[1]
Whereas its far bigger Detroit rival, Motown Records, perfected a highly polished pop sound, releases on Fortune Records were often characterized by raw, unrestrained vocal performances and relatively simple instrumental arrangements, recorded without excessive care for production values. Recording was accomplished via a few microphones to an Ampex one-track tape deck. As a result, the label's records have a distinctively direct sound and often packed considerable emotional power. It is estimated that Fortune Records and its subsidiaries, Hi-Q Records and Strate-8, released approximately 400 45-RPM vinyl records, as well as long-playing albums, during its existence.[1]
The Fortune Records studio and office on Third Avenue in Detroit was demolished October 27, 2001.
Sheldon Brown still controls the Fortune Records catalogue, which is managed by Westwood Music Group.[2]
Artists
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Discography
Singles
100-series
100 Johnny Gibson: Sham-rock / It's Tough 1946
101 Russ Titus Jane / Texas Tess Down Texas Way 1947
102 Russ Titus My Heart's Desire / I Ain't Got A Million Dollars 1947
103 Fred Kendall That's What Ireland Means To Me / Would You? 1947
104 Willie Anderson I'll Spend Those Pennies / Jelly, Jelly 1947
105 - Artie Fields Orchestra - Wedding Samba / ? - 1947
106 Russ Titus Rose Of Tangier / Casey's Boogie 1947
107 Joseph Sudy Czardas / Just For Tonight 1948
108 Joseph Sudy I'll Teach You The Words, Darling / Senorita Hears The Senor Play 1948
109 - Bill Holeman - Organ - I'm Blaming The Moon / Persian Market Place - 1948
110 - Bill Holeman - Organ - Sweet Querida / What's New - 1948
111 - Willie Anderson Trio - Jelly Jelly / I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good - 1948
112 Jeff Durham and his Rhythm Playboys Tennessee Boogie / Spring Is Made For Love 1949
113 Robert Barnes Black Eyed Peas / Bobbin' At Barbee's 1949
114 - Jeff Durham & His Rhythm Playboys - Spring Is Made For Love / Down The Indiana Way – 1949
115 - Robert Barnes Sextette with Donald Byrd - Raspberries And Cream / Blow Robert Blow - 1949
116 Slim Williams with the Sons of the Prairie Tennessee Avenue / Paper Face 1949
117 Bob Manners Arms & Legs Polka / Million Dollar Baby 1949
118 - The York Brothers - You Are My Sunshine / Calling Me - 1949
119 - Bob Manners and The Music Makers - Desert Love / The Clock Song – 1949
120 The York Brothers Hamtramck [sic] Mama / Highland Park Girl 1949
121 Skeet Ring and the Hillbilly Swingsters Sunset Beau / Sitting On Top Of The World 1949
122 Bill Holleman Oh, Katarina / Oh By Jingo! 1949
123 Jeff Durham and his Kentucky Boys [vocal by Bob Sykes & Dolores Hall (a), Jeff Durham & Vocal Group (b)] I Sent You Roses / Okee Doaks! 1949
124 - The Family - It's An Unfriendly World / Leave It There - 1949
125 Jimmy Milner Noble's Shuffle / I May Be Wrong 1949
126 Roy Hall and his Cohutta Mountain Boys [vocal by Frankie Brumabalough (a), Frankie Brumabalough & Trio (b)] Okee Doaks / Dirty Boogie 1951
126 Roy Hall and his Cohutta Mountain Boys [vocal by Frankie Brumabalough (a), Frankie Brumabalough & Trio (b)] No Rose In San Antone / Dirty Boogie 1959
127 Doyle Franklin and his Red River Boys One Heart Too Many / If The Blues Don't Kill Me 1949
128 Russ Titus One, Two, Three Samba / It's The Tingle Of The Wine 1949
129 Earl Songer and the Rocky Road Ramblers The Fire In My Heart / Honky Tonkin' Blues 19??
130 Jimmy Milner Hard Luck Blues / Booty Green 1949
131 Earl & Joyce Songer Fox Chase / Will There Be Any Flowers On Your Grave 1949
132 Slim Williams and his Tennessee Avenue Boys Throwing Kisses / Reckon As How I Love You 1949
133 Roy Hall and his Cohutta Mountain Boys [vocal by Frankie Brumabalough] Never Marry A Tennessee Girl / We Never Get Too Big To Cry 1949
134 Eddie Jackson and his Melody Riders New Set Of Blues / I'm Willing To Forget 1949
135 Josephine & Her Orchestra Wizard Polka / Falling Leaves 1949
Fortune 136 - ?
137 Maceo Merriweather Leaving Blues / Have You Heard About It 1949
138 Bob Durham and his Sunset Riders Headin' Back To Tennessee / Skid Row Boogie 1949
139 Roy Hall and his Cohutta Mountain Boys [vocal by Frankie Brumabalough (a), Bud White (b)] Five Years In Prison / My Freckle Faced Gal 1949
140 Slim Williams with the Sons of the Prairie Kentucky Highway / Alone At A Table For Two 1949
141 Earl Songer and the Rocky Road Ramblers Mother-In-Law Boogie / My Wife And Sweetheart, Too 1949
142 Johnny White and his Melody Knights The Southland Boogie / When The Roses Bloom Around Our Cabin Door 1950
143 Tony Kaczmarek Hop Sa-Sa Polka / Honeymoon Waltz 1950
144 Earl Songer and his Rocky Road Ramblers Whose Naughty Baby Are You / Spanish Fire Bells 1950
145 Johnnie White and his Rhythm Riders feat. Skeet's McDonald on vocal Mean And Evil Blues / The Tattooed Lady 1950
146 Hal Clark and the West-O-Crats I Don't Mean A Thing To You / Lonely Heart 1950
147 Jack Bube Why Did You Change Your Name / Bridal Bouquet 1950
148 The Tennessee Harmony Boys - Joe's Mandolin Boogie / Joe's Mandolin Boogie - 1950
149 - The Tennessee Harmony Boys - It Won't Be Long / Remember How Jesus Suffered - 1950
150 Hubert Friar and his Hillbilly Hicks Heartaches And Teardrops / Joe's Mandolin Boogie 1950
151 Earl Songer and the Rocky Road Ramblers In A Broken Heart, No Love Is Found / West Virginia Waltz 1950
152 Farris Wilder Waltzing With You / Not So Long Ago 1950
153 Ernest Johnson with the Western Night Riders Your Love Is Sweet / She Started Teasing Me 1950
154 Randy Hankins and his Melody Wranglers Love Bird Of Tennessee / Blue Mountain Girl 1950
155 Earl Songer and the Rocky Road Ramblers Someone To Call My Own / I Won't Confess I'm Sorry 1950
156 Randy Hankins and his Melody Wranglers [vocal by Clyde Bunch & Tom Stamper (a), Clyde Bunch (b)] Little Bronze Shoes / Running From The Blues 1950
157 - Tommy Odum - I'm A Handy Man To Have About / She Won't Turn Over For Me - 1951
158 - Jimmy Myers And His Band - Darling How Was I To Know / Money Can't Buy This Heart Of Mine - 1951
159 Freddy Myers and his Trail Riders I Don't Need Your Love Anymore (Woman) / Fire Water Polka 1951
160 Earl & Joyce Songer and the Rocky Road Ramblers Someone To Call My Own / Dissatisfied 1951
161 John Shoupe Mommy, Where's Daddy Tonight / Love Me Just The Same 1951
162 Jimmy Myers and his Happy Highway Gang Drunk Man's Wiggle / I'm Goin' Back To West Virginia 1951
163 Jeff Durham and his Kentucky Boys Tennessee Bounce / I Sent You Roses 1951
164 - Floyd Compton & His Western Troubadors - My Heart's Tonight In Tennessee / Just Suppose - 1951
165 Jeff Durham and his Kentucky Boys feat. Bob Sykes on vocal (a) / Skeet's McDonald & Benny Walker on vocal with Johnnie White and his Rhythm Riders (b) I'm Looking For Sunshine (But Only Find Rain) / Birthday Cake Boogie 1952
166 Jimmy Myers and his Happy Highway Gang Ding Dong Mama From Tennessee / True Love is Always That Way 1952
167 - Lester Thomas - Song Of Songs / Looking For Someone New - 1952
168 - Sonny Sexton And His Musical Westernairs - It's A Long Road (That Never Turns) / Western Air Stomp (Instrumental) - 1952
169 Leon Benson and his Rhythm Ramblers St. Joe Boogie / Prison Cell No.13 1952
170 The Davis Sisters (a) / Roy Hall and his Cohutta Mountain Boys (b) Jealous Love / Going Down The Road Feeling Bad 1952
171 - Sonny Sexton And His Musical Westernairs - Too Many Tears Will Fall / Don't You Tell A Soul (I Love You) - 1953
172 Forrest Rye with String Band Accompaniment Wild Cat Boogie / Are You Making A Fool Of Me 1953
173 May Hawks with Lester Thomas and his Southern Pals Jealous Love / Year After Year 1953
174 The Davis Sisters Kaw-Liga / Sorrow And Pain 1953
175 The Davis Sisters with String Band Accomp. Heartbreak Ahead / Steel Wool 1953
176 - Boots Gilbert & Bob Sykes With Chuck Hatfield And The Treble-Airs / Boots Gilbert With Chuck Hatfield And The Treble-Airs - Take It Or Leave It / Man, Turn Me Loose - 1954
177 Gene Rowe Tennessee Luney Honeymoon / Memory From The Past 1954
178/ 179 May Hawks with Chuck Hatfield and his Treble-Aires Meet Me Down In Nashville (At The Op'ry Tonight) / Wasted Years 1954
180 The York Brothers Going Home / Detroit Hula Girl 1954
180 Boots Gilbert Fickle Heart / Please, Mr. Bartender 1954
181 - Boots Gilbert - Fickle Heart / Please Mr. Bartender - 1954
182 - May Hawks And Lester Thomas / May Hawks And Chuck Hatfield - Straighten Up And Fly Right / Baby You're A Bygone Now - 1954
183 Big Chief Redbird and his Cherokee Braves Big Chief Yodel / No Need To Cry 1955
184 Boots Gilbert Sadie And The Cop / When Senorita Comes To Hear The Senor Play 1955
185 Cal Davis and his Tennessee Kings Third Set Of Tears / Partnership Love Affair 1956
186 Eddie Jackson and his Swingsters Rock And Roll Baby / You Are The One 1956
187 Buster Turner and his Pinnacle Mt. Boys That Old Heartbreak Express / True Love In My Heart 1956
188 Bill Hicks and the Southerneers Blue Flame / She's Done Gone 1956
Fortune 189 - ?
190 - Roy Rector And Slim Bradford - I Didn't Know I Loved You / Life Of Sorrow - 1956
191 Jimmy Lee You Ain't No Good For Me / Sad And Lonely 1956
192 Will Haynes and the Ozark Valley Boys Honeymoon In The Mountains / I Could Never Walk Alone 1956
193 Pete De Bree and the Wanderers, vocal by Bernie Sanders My Bucket's Got A Hole In It / Wanderer's Blues 1956
Fortune 194 - Pete Debree And The Wanderers - Hey, Mr. Presley / ? - 1956
195 Matt Hutson and his Arkansas Playboys Sentimental Man / Sometimes 1956
196 Curly Dan & Wilma and the Danville Mountain Boys Sleep Darling / My Little Rose 1956
196 Roy Rector Heard The Back Door Slam / You're The Girl I'm Gonna Marry 1956
197 - Dan Curly And The Danville Mountain Trio - Sleep Darling / My Little Rose - 1956
198 Billy Martin I Dreamed Of You / I'm Home Again 195??
199 Johnny Powers and his Rockets Honey Let's Go (To A Rock And Roll Show) / Your Love 1957
200-series
200 Peter De Bree and the Wanderers, vocal by Jimmy Franklin Hey, Mr. Presley / Long Tall You (From Louisville) 1957
201 Lexie Harvey and the Gospel Four He'll Part The Waters / All The Way To Heaven 1958
202 - ?
203 - ?
204 - ?
205 Dell Vaughn with the Fortune Aires A Cure For Love / Rock The Universe 1958
206 Don Rader and the 20th Century Ranch Hands Rock And Roll Grandpa / A Day At The Pines 1958
207 The Terrigan Brothers with The Sterlings Hi Ho, Little Girl / Little Love 1958
208 Ellis Kirk and the Town & Country Boys (b-side featuring Lyle Collins on lead guitar) Sweetie Pie / Flamingo Rock 19??
209 - The Tennessee Harmony Boys I'm A Millionaire / A Lonesome Feeling
210 The Hunt Sisters & Mark, Roy Hall and his Boys Teardrops / Elvis Is Rocking Again 1960
211 Jim Myers & Tex Regan with Jim Myers and his Gems (a) / Jim Myers and his Gems Pretty Baby Rock / J & D Hop 1960
212 Jim Myers and his Gems with The Montclairs under direction of Devora Brown Oh! Baby Baby / Blue Stroll 1960
213 The Hunt Sisters Don't Hang Your Shame On Me / I'm Not Gonna Take It Anymore 1961
214 Jim Myers Bouncy / Partings 1961
215 Bobby Bernell Stay Away From Me / Thousand And One Dreams 1962
215 Jim Myers and his Gems Memphis / After Tomorrow 1962
216 ?
217 The Hunt Sisters Blue Moon Of Yesterday / My Feelings Are Showing 1962
218 ?
219 Danny Richards Can't Stop Me From Loving You / Love I Used To Know 19??
220 Vic Norwin For Loving You / Long Gone Lonesome Blues 19??
221 Don Darlin You Walked Away / Bitter Feelings And Bitter Tears 19??
222 Danny Richards and the Country Rhythm Boys One Way Ticket To Tennessee / They're Talkin' About You 19??
223 The Windy Mountain Boys High, Wide And Handsome / John Henry 19??
224 Loyd Howell - Jim Click and the Blue Stars Rosilita / Don't Hang Around 19??
225 Herb & Joe and their Rambl-Airs Hill Side Break Down / 1964
225 Spider Turner (a) / The Fortune Bravos (b) Ride In My 225 / One Stop 1964
226 Tommy Kato That's How Much I Miss You / Until 1964
227 The Hall Brothers Lonesome Jukebox And Me / Honeymoon Cabin 196?
228 Curley Dan & Wilma Ann and the Danville Mt. Boys North On 23 / I Don't See No Wings On You 196?
229 Dewey & Johnny Campbell Pretty Little Miss From San Francisco / What Will Your Answer Be 196?
230 Wendy Smith & The Windy Mountain Boys Carter Stanley (Will Lead That Great Band) / Savior Guide Me
231 Al Burnette and his Southern Swingsters Lookie Here, Baby / Humpty Dumpty 1967
232 Johnny Buckett Jackson Jailhouse Blues / Hippie In A Blunder
233 Wendy Smith and his Windy Mountain Ramblers The Pill / Caralyn (The Teenage Queen) 196?
234 Johnny Buckett and his Cumberland River Boys I Wish I Was In Tennessee / Too Late Darling 196?
235 Al Burnette and the Southern Swingsters Run Mary Run / Lonely promises 196?
237 Helen Purcell Move Over Big Dog (Let A Little Dog In) / I'll Make The Grade
321 - Pat Holben Trio - Monkey Jerk / I Am The Greatest - 1964
400-series
484 Georgie and his Polka Dukes Dukes Polka / Blond Curl Waltz 19??
485 Georgie and his Polka Dukes I Don't Know Polka / Sandra's Waltz 19??
500-series
500 Bus Stanley Oh, Marie / Jersey Bounce 1954
501 Bus Stanley Siboney / Desert Song 1954
502 Arsene Siegel Hocus Pocus Dance / O, Siegel 1954
503 - Bill Holeman - There Is A 'V' On The Moon Tonight / Indian Love Call
504 Bob Manners Clock Song / My Thoughts Of You 1954
505 ?
506 Frankie Connors Why Can't You Love Me, Too / Waltz Of Virginia 1954
507 Four Jacks & A Jill Love's Not Love Without You / I'm In Love With Someone 1954
508 Larry Corona Lonely Heart / House On The Hill 1954
509/510 The Diablos Adios, My Desert Love / Old Fashioned Girl 1954
511 The Diablos featuring Nolan Strong The Wind / Baby, Be Mine 1954
512 Carlos Cortez and his Rhythm Kings Sentimental Fool / Gypsy's Goodbye 1954
513 Nick Forrest I Can't Fall In Love / I Walk In The Rain 1954
514 The Diablos Route 16 / Hold Me Until Eternity 1955
515 Carlos Cortez and his Rhythm Kings Mambo Costa Rica / Rose Of Tangier 1955
516 The Diablos Daddy Rockin' Strong / Do You Remember What You Did Last Night 1955
517 The Four Kings Rose Of Tangier / Doo-Li-Op 1955
518 The Diablos Way You Dog Me Around / Jump, Shake And Move 1955
519 Nolan Strong and the Diablos You're The Only Girl Delores / You Are 1956
520 Don Lane Ooh, Those Eyes / Cha Cha Of Love 1956
521 Roy Hall and his Back Room Boys Corrine, Corrina / Don't Ask Me No Questions (I'll Tell You No Lies) 1956
522 Nolan Strong Teardrop From Heaven / Try Me One More Time 1956
523 Larry Corona Revenge / Jane 1956
524 George Young Shakin' Shelley / Buggin' Baby 1957
525 Nolan Strong and the Diablos featuring Bob Edwards on guitar Can't We Talk This Over / The Mambo Of Love 1957
526 Rose Gambino, Geo Annis and his Orch. We Heard Them Play A Waltz / To Love You 1957
527 The Premiers When You Are In Love / Trap Of Love 1957
528 Gino Parks Just Go / Last Night I Cried 1957
529 Nolan Strong and the Diablos For Old Times Sakes / My Heart Will Always Belong To You 1958
530 Tony Lee Suicide / Poppin' Off 1958
531 Nolan Strong Goodbye Matilda / I Am With You 1959
532 Nolan Strong and the Diablos If I Could Be With You Tonight / I Wanna Know 1959
533 The Centurys Take My Hand / Oh Joe, Joe 1959
534 The Earthquakes Bashful Guy / Darling, Be Mine 1959
535 The Catalinas Long Walk / Destruction 1959
536 Nolan Strong and the Diablos Since You're Gone / What Are You Gonna Do 1960
537 Jimmy Burke Forbidden Love / Ooh, Those Eyes 1960
538 Doctor Ross The Harmonica Boss with Tony Valla and the Alamos Sugar Mama / I'd Rather Be An Old Woman's Baby Than A Young Girl's Slave 1960
538 The Earthquakes This Is Really Real / Crazy Bop (?) 1960
539 Terry Soggs Route 16 / I Dream Of You 1961
540 Floyd Smith w/ The Montclairs Grandpa's Gully Rock / This Is A Miracle 1961
541 The Delteens with the Orbits under direction of Devora Brown Listen To The Rain / Love Me 1961
542 Nathaniel Mayer My Last Dance With You / My Little Darling 1962
543 Robert Preston with Organ Accomp. Trees / I Speak The Truth 1962
544 Nolan Strong and the Diablos I Don't Care / Blue Moon 1962
545 Nathaniel Mayer and the Fabulous Twilights Village Of Love / I Want A Woman 1962
546 Nolan Strong Mind Over Matter (I'm Gonna Make You Mine) / Besides You 1962
547 Nathaniel Mayer Hurtin' Love / Leave Me Alone 1962
548 The Nite Sounds (I Love You) With Tender Passion / Cheese Cake 1962
549 Arlando King Look What You Done / Baby, Only You 1962
550 Nathaniel Mayer and his Fabulous Twilights Well, I've Got News (For You) / Work It Out 1962
550 Nathaniel Mayer and his Fabulous Twilights Well, I've Got News / Mr. Santa Claus (Bring Me My Baby) 1962
551 Melvin Davis with the Nite Sounds Playboy (Don't You Play In School) / I Won't Be Your Fool 1963
552 Butch Vaden Harem Girl / Roll 1963
553 Nolan Strong I Really Love You / Everything They Said Came True 1963
553 Nolan Strong You're My Love / Everything They Said Came True 1963
554 Nathaniel Mayer and his Fabulous Twilights I Had A Dream / I'm Not Gonna Cry 1963
555 The Magnatones Adios, My Desert Love / I Love You With Tender Passion 1963
556 Nolan Strong You're Every Beat Of My Heart / It's Because Of You 1963
557 Nathaniel Mayer and his Fabulous Twilights Going Back To The Village Of Love / My Last Dance With You 1963
558 Arlando King When I Awake / Come Back 1963
559 Eddie Stapleton Well, I'm Weak / Want Your Love 1963
560 The Royal Jokers You Tickle Me, Baby / You Came Along 1963
561 Maury Dean and the Nite Shift with the Marteens I'll Take That Chance / Catch You Later 1964
562 Nathaniel Mayer and the Dynamics with the Crescendals A Place I Know / Don't Come Back 1964
563 Nathaniel Mayer with the Diablos Village Of Love / Real True Love 1964
564 The Diablos Are You Making A Fool Out Of Me / You're My Happiness 1964
565 Gene and the Jeanettes You're A Star / Lover 1964
566 The Creshendals Oh, My Love / Oh, My Love 1964
567 Nathaniel Mayer with the Fortune Braves I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction) / From Now On 1964
568 The Utopias Sally Bad / Welcome Back To My Heart 1964
569 Nolan Strong Ali Coochie / You're Presentable 1964
570 Spyder Turner (a) / The Fortune Bravos (b) Ride In My 225 / One Stop 1964
571 Jacqui Carr with Ric and Karen Springtime / The Honor Of Your Presence 1964
572 Armond Adams Storm / Diamond Pins And Broken Beads 1964
573 The Disciples I Found Out / Twelfth Street 1964
574 Nolan Strong Way You Dog Me Around / Jump With Me 1964
575 ?
576 Dell Vaughan, vocal with Band I Need You / Garden Of Love 1964
700-series
711 Chuck Oakes and his Chuck Wagon Boys Waltz Of Virginia / Hey! It's Chuck's Boogie 1951
800-series
800 The National Harmonizers Is Your All On The Altar / Death Comes Knocking 1954
801 John Brim Strange Man Blues / Mean Man Blues 1954
802 Henry Smith Dog Me Blues / Rockin' Chair Boogie 1954
803 ?
804 Gene Allen Trying To Get Rid Of The Blues / My Darling Bernice 1954
805 Maceo Merriweather Worried Life Blues # 2 / Strange To Me Blues 1954
806 Calvin Frazier (a) / Jimmy Milner (b) Sweet Bread Baby / Longing for You 1954
807 Gene Seals She Don't Want Your Rocking / Hurry Back Home 1954
808 Choker Campbell Frankie And Johnny / Rocking & Jumping 1954
809 Boo Boo Turner I Goofed / Cooling With Boo Boo 1954
810 Harry "Honey Boy" Willis I'll Understand / Poker Playing Baby 1954
811 The Four Kings You Don't Mean Me Right / My Head Goes Acting Up 1954
812 The Five Dukes Of Rhythm Soft, Sweet And Really Fine / Everybody's Singing The Blues 1954
813 - Paul Lewis (The Mighty Swamba) And The Swans Music Under Direction Of Gene Nero - Wedding Bells, Oh Wedding Bells / Little Senorita - 1954
Fortune 814 - ?
Fortune 815 - ?
Fortune 816 - ?
Fortune 817 - ?
Fortune 818 - ?
Fortune 819 - ?
820 Joe Weaver I'm On My Merry Way / Loose Caboose 1955
821 The Five Dollars Doctor Baby / Harmony Of Love 1955
822 The Swans Mister Cool Breeze / I'll Forever Love You 1955
823 The Bu Bu Turner Group Hornet's Nest / Rose Of Tangier (featuring Kenny Burrell, a-side retitled later as 'Ground Round') 1955
823 Kenny Burrell with the Bu Bu Turner Group Ground Round / Rose Of Tangier 1955
824 Andre Williams with the Don Juans Pulling Time / Going Down To Tia Juana 1955
825 Joe Weaver and the Don Juans Baby, I Love You So / It Must Be Love 1955
826 The Five Dollars So Strange / You Know I Can't Refuse 1956
827 Andre Williams Mozelle / Just Want A Little Lovin' 1956
828 Andre Williams and the Don Juans It's All Over / Bobby Jean 1956
829 Chet Oliver Going Back To Chicago / Cool As A Cucumber 1956
830 The Five Dollars Hard Working Mama / I Will Wait 1956
831 Andre Williams and his New Group (The Don Juans) Bacon Fat / Just Because Of A Kiss 1956
832 Joe Weaver Looka Here, Pretty Baby / Baby Child 1956
833 The Five Dollars You Fool / How Do You Do The Bacon Fat 1957
833 The Five Dollars (a) / The Five Jets (b) You Fool / I'm Wanderin' 1957
834 Andre Williams You Are My Sunshine / Mean Jean 1957
835 ?
836 Little Eddie and the Don Juans This Is A Miracle / Calypso Beat 1957
837 Andre Williams (Mr. Rhythm), Charlie Morris Orchestra Jail Bait / Going Back To Chicago 1957
837 Andre Williams (Mr. Rhythm), Charlie Morris Orchestra Jail Bait / My Tears 1957
838 Bobo Jenkins Ten Below Zero / Baby, Don't You Want To Go 1957
839 Andre Williams The Greasy Chicken / Come On Baby (or Don't Touch ?) 1957
839 Andre Williams Don't Touch / Pass The Biscuits Please 1957
840 The Royal Jokers Sweet Little Angel / I Don't Like You That Much 1958
841 The Diablos Harriet / Come Home, Little Girl 1958
842 Andre Williams My Last Dance With You / Hey! Country Girl 1958
843 Ernest Tucker Gonna Get Me A Satellite / Too Small To Dance 1958
844 Earl Chatman Take Two Steps Back / Love Me, Baby 1958
845 Little Eddie My Mama Said / Yellow Moon 1958
846 John Lee Hooker Curl My Baby's Hair / 609 Boogie 1959
847 Andre Williams I'm All For You / Put A Chain On It 1959
848 Eddie Kirkland I Miss You, Baby / I Must Have Done Something Wrong 1959
849 Walter Hamilton Combo Sherry Blues / Peaches And Cream 1959
850 Al Gelb Mad About Him Blues / Saint Louis Blues 1959
851 Andre Williams with the Five Dollars, 2nd voice Gino Parks, Walter Hamilton Combo (M m m m --Andre Williams Is) Movin' / (M m m m--Georgia May Is) Movin' 1960
852 Joe Weaver Too Hot To Trot / All I Do Is Cry 1960
853 John Lee Hooker Cry Baby / Love You Baby 1960
854 The Five Dollars My Baby-O / That's The Way It Goes 1960
855 John Lee Hooker Crazy About That Walk / We're All God's Children 1961
856 Andre Williams Jailhouse Blues / I Still Love You 1961
857 Doctor Ross and the Orbits Cat Squirrel / The Sunnyland 1961
858 Tony Valla and the Alamos La Bamba /.Jane, Why Did You Do It 1962
859 Tony Valla and the Alamos Love, Boy / Maria Christina 1963
860 Big Blues Carson Night You Left / Why Did You Leave 1963
861 Dave Hamilton and his Peppers Beatle Walk / Argentina 1964
862 The Lapels Bad Luck / Dusty Roads 1964
863 The Continental Four Jack The Ripper / Scramble 1964
864 The Destinations Valley Of Tears / Come On And Let Me Love You 1964
865 The Pat Holben Trio Monkey Jerk / I Am The Greatest 1964
866 Concertina Millie Trio Who Is Singing My Song / Swiss Girl 1964
867 Lee and the Leopards What About Me / Don't Press Your Luck 1964
868 Joe Day and the Dares Talking About My Love / True, True Love 1965
869 The Flaming Embers Gone, Gone, Gone / You Can Count On Me 1965
870 Ray Kimble Woe Is Me / Rain, Go Away 1965
871 Arthur Griswold Pretty Mama Blues / Trying For A Future 1965
872 Arthur Griswold Daddy, Daddy / Daddy, Daddy 1965
1000-1325
Fortune 1000 - The K-Otics - Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love) / I'm Leaving Here - 1966
Fortune 1001 - Sermon By Rev. M. Larry Franklin Pastor Of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church - The Baby Of Bethlehem (Part 1) / The Baby Of Bethlehem (Part 2) - 1951
Fortune 1002 - The United Pentecostal Choral Union Presented By Prof. Edward G. Robinson (Director & President) - When I See Jesus / I Saw A Beautiful Light - 1951
Fortune 1003 - ?
Fortune 1004 - ?
Fortune 1005 - The Hurricane Travelers - New Born Soul / He's All I Need - 1951
Fortune 1020 - Ken Apple And The Singing Star Trio - The Name Of Jesus / God's The Same - ?
Fortune 1021 - Ken Apple And The Singing Star Trio - My God Is Real / Do Lord - ?
Fortune 1047 - Willie Anderson - Jelly Jelly / I'll Spend Those Pennies - ?
1300/1400 gospel
Fortune 1310 - Ken Apple And The Singing Star Trio - Someday There'll Be No Tomorrow / I Can Call Jesus Anytime - ?
Fortune 1311 - Ken Apple And The Singing Star Trio - Didn't It Rain / My Brother Prayed - ?
Fortune 1312 - ?
Fortune 1313 - ?
Fortune 1314 - ?
Fortune 1315 - ?
Fortune 1316 - The Emeraldite Singers Arranged By Calvin Fair Guitar-William Bailey -? / Sign Of The Judgement - ?
Fortune 1317 - ?
Fortune 1318 - W. Emmons (Lead) Mount Olive Soul Stirrers - Where Are You Building Your Building? / This Little Light Of Mine - 1950
Fortune 1318 - Ken Apple And The Singing Star Trio - Too Near Home / Supper Time / Journey To The Sky /// Makes Me Want To Pray / God Is God / When I Feel The Saviour's Hand - 1950 (Came With Picture Sleeve)
Fortune 1319 - ?
Fortune 1320 - The Bibletones - He's Calling Me / Whosover Will - 1950
Fortune 1321 - ?
Fortune 1322 - ?
Fortune 1323 - ?
Fortune 1324 - ?
1325 - The Wandering Spirituals - Storming At The Ferry / Until I Found The Lord - 1950
1326 The Gospel Stars, Milton Pullen (piano) When God Made Man / Lord Shelter Me 1950
1327 - Frank And Nancy Webb - You'll Regret You Didn't Pray / Have You Told Them About Me - ?
1328 - The Gospel Stars - Bless This House Jesus Goes With Me - ?
1329 - ?
1330 - Skeets McDonald - Tattooed Lady / Griddle Greasing Daddy /// Let Me Play With Your Poodle / Sadie And The Cop - ?
1331 - Christian Chapel Trio - Till The Last Leaf Shall Fall / Longing For Home /// Jacob's Ladder / Christ Is All - ?
1332 - ?
1333 - The Christian Chapel Trio - Great Reunion Day / Longing To Go /// What A Day / Each Step Of The Way - ?
1334 - The Tennessee Harmony Boys - The Lord's Last Supper / Don't Forget To Kneel And Pray /// When I Prayed Last Night / When He Reached Down His Hand For Me - ?
1335 - The Rev. George Morton - This Is My Story / Wade In The Water - ?
1336 - The Victory Five - Please Lord / Evening Sun - ?
1337 - The Southland Harmony Quartet - ? / ? - ?
1338 - Mary Frazier - Time Is Running Out / Somebody Cares /// I Believe - ?
1339 - The Late Bishop C. L. Morton - When My Mother & Father Forsake Me / When My Mother & Father Forsake Me - ?
1340 ?
1341 Truetone Gospel Singers Closer To The Lord / The Life That I Sing About 19??
1342 - The Celestialaires - Up Above My Head / ? - ?
1343 - The Sensational Pontiac Spiritual Singers - Old Time Religion / The Lord Is My Shepherd - ?
1344 - Silver Harps - By And By / I Found The Lord - ? Flip
1345 - Joy Harmonizers (Arranged by Allen Jones) - Early In The Morning / My Heavenly Home - ?
1346 The Victory Five Evening Sun / Please, Lord 19??
1347 ?
1348 - Reverend Arthur Carruthers New St. Paul Baptist Church - Sermonette (Good Man In A Bad Fix) / I Know For Myself I've Been Changed - ?
1349 Reverend E.T. Baker, Pastor of The Friendship M.B.C. of Muskegon Heights, Michigan Rock Of Ages (Part 1) / Rock Of Ages (Part 2) 19??
1350 - The Sunnysiders - God's Elevator / Light From Heaven /// Nail Scarred Hands / How Far Did I Fall - ?
1401 The Detroit Songbirds Thank You Lord / There's A Man Taking Names 19??
1402 The Gospel Believers of Detroit, Michigan Bless My Home / Saints Go Marchin' In 19??
EP
EP 1330 Johnny Buckett (a1 & b2) / Boots Gilbert (a2) / Skeets McDonald (b1) Let Me Play With Your Poodle / Sadie And The Cop / The Tattooed Lady / Griddle Greasin' Daddy 19??
Albums
LP-8010 NOLAN STRONG and the DIABLOS FORTUNE OF HITS 1961
LP-8011 VARIOUS ARTISTS FORTUNE'S TREASURE CHEST OF HITS/FORTUNE'S TREASURE CHEST OF MUSTY DUSTIES 1961
LP-8012 NOLAN STRONG and the DIABLOS FORTUNE OF HITS, VOLUME 2 1962
LP-8013 NATHANIEL MAYER and the TWILIGHTS VILLAGE OF LOVE 1963
LP-8014 NATHANIEL MAYER and the TWILIGHTS (GOING BACK TO THE) VILLAGE OF LOVE 1963
LP-8015 NOLAN STRONG with the DIABLOS MIND OVER MATTER 1963
LP-8016 NOLAN STRONG and the DIABLOS/THE FIVE DOLLARS FROM THE BEGINNING TO NOW 1963
LP-8017 VARIOUS ARTISTS TREASURE CHEST OF MUSTY DUSTIES, VOLUME 2 1963
LP-8019 ANDRE WILLIAMS & DON JUANS JAIL BAIT 198?
LP-8020 THE DIABLOS LEGENDARY 198?
LP-3001 VARIOUS ARTISTS TATTOOED LADY PLUS ELEVEN OTHER SIZZLERS 1961
LP-3002 BIG MACEO MERRYWEATHER & JOHN LEE HOOKER BIG MACEO MERRYWEATHER AND JOHN LEE HOOKER 1963
LP-3003 ARTHUR RACKOCZI AN EVENING IN BUDAPEST 1963
LP-3004 THE DAVIS SISTERS HITS (may have been reissued as 'Jealous Heart' by Skeeter Davis) 19??
LP-3005 ARTIE NELSON MEDITERRANEAN 19??
LP-3006 JULIO BELLA THE HOT JAZZ VIOLIN 19??
LP-3008 FORD NIX & FRANK BUCHANNAN SING AND PLAY FOLK SONGS AND BLUEGRASS 19??
LP-3009 JOHNNY BUCKETT and his CUMBERLAND RIVER BOYS AND GIRLS I'M USING MY BIBLE FOR A ROAD MAP 19??
F/FS-3011 DR. ROSS DOCTOR ROSS, THE HARMONICA BOSS 1971
F-3012 VARIOUS ARTISTS BLUES SOUNDS OF THE HASTINGS STREET ERA (THE ORIGINAL DETROIT BLUES) 197?
Other labels
HI-Q records: singles
10 Bill Hicks and the Southerneers Sugar Coated Lies / Strange As It Seems 195?
11 Farris Wilder and his Band Haunting Dreams / It's All Your Fault 1957
12 Shorty Frog and his Space Cats I'm Glad You Didn't Say Goodbye / Sheddin' Tears Over You 1958
14 Jimmy Gartin with The Highlanders Maria / Gonna Ride That Satellite 1958
15 Ralph Davis and the Western Rhythm Boys Searching For You / Undecided Heart 195?
16 Candy Mountain Boys It's Hillbilly Christmas (Every Saturday) / Golden Moonlight Waltz 1959
17 Rufus Shoffner & Joyce Songer Every Little Teardrop / It Always Happens To Me 1962
18 Cherokee Chief and his Oaklahoma Rockers True Love (Grows Fonder Every Day) / Little Mama Twist 196?
19 Rufus Shoffner & Speedy Rogers Hillbilly Wedding Bells / Lovelight 196?
20 Bobby Bernell Hello There / Move Over Big Dog (Let A Little Dog In) 1964
21 Cherokee Chief Mean And Evil Blues / Holiday From Heartaches 196?
23 Patti Lynn Same Old Blues / One Faded Rose 1964
25 Cherokee Chief Whose Heart Are You Breaking Now / This World Of Love We Know (Should Always Be) 196?
26 Jimmie Click I Can't Play The Juke Box Here No More / Polecat Hollow 196?
27 Loyd Howell and the Brite Stars Don't Make Me Stop Drinking / Truck Driving "Jack" 1967
28 Randy Sea Heartbreak To Happiness / Please Don't Sell My Daddy No More Wine 196?
100 The Tempos Sham-Rock / It's Tough 1959
236 Eddie & Richard and the Blue Mt. Boys Lonesome Blues / True Love On My Mind 19??
1335 Reverend George Morton This Is My Story / Wade In The Water 19??
5000 The Hi-Fidelities Street Of Loneliness / Help, Murder, Police 1957
5001 The Montclairs Golden Angel / Don Juan 1957
5003 Don Lane Don't Tempt Me / Love Letters 1957
5004 The Royal Jokers Spring / September In The Rain 1957
5005 The Gardenias I'm Laughing At You / Houdini 1957
5006 The El Capris Girl Of Mine / These Lonely Nights 1957
5007 Don Lane Teenage Love Affair / How About Me 1958
5008 The Ferros Come Home, My Love / Tough Cat 1958
5010 Jim Sands & The Montclairs, You Don't Know My Mind / We're Gonna Rock 1958
5011 Clea Bradford Have I Made A Mistake / I've Got You 1959
5012 The Phateons Fling / Home Made 1959
5014 Georgie Sale and the Escapades I'll Love You Forever / End Of Time 1960
5015 Jay Hammond I'll Be Your Fool / She's My Girl 1960
5016 The Starlighters Zoom / Big Feet 1960
5017 Marsha Renay (with The Don Juans?) It's Nice / Our Cha-Lypso Of Love 1960
5018 John Lee Hooker Big Fine Woman / Blues For Christmas 1960
5019 Dave Hamilton and his Peppers Cooter Bug / Donna's Cha-Cha 1961
5020 Tino Cairo Wow Baby Sitter / Love In Portofino 1961
5021 The Creators Wear My Ring / Booga Bear 1961
5022 Karol Jackman Sometimes I Get Lonely / I Wanna Cry 1962
5023 Bobby Allen I Sent You Roses / You're My Love 1962
5024 Dave Kirk Oh, Baby / Those Lonely Blue Nights 1962
5025 Dave Atkins Big Beat Blues / Smokey Mountain Twist 1962
5026 Kenny Love Jo Ann / How Much I Really Care 1963
5027 Dr. Ross Cannonball / Numbers Blues 1963
5028 The Del Victors Baby Sitter, I Love You / Oh, Lover 1963
5029 James Walton Leaving Blues / Miss Jessie James 1963
5030 Alamos Donkey Walk / Pork Chops 1963
5033 Dr. Ross New York Breakdown / Call The Doctor 1963
5034 Dale Vaughan Let Me Be Loved / Valley Of Broken Hearts 1964
5035 Walter Hamilton and his Quintet Kaiak (Part 1) / Kaiak (Part 2) 196?
5036 Big Jack Reynolds I Had A Little Dog / You Won't Treat Me Right 1963
5037 Gene Cooper Go-Go Inn / Kind Of Man I Am 196?
5039 Sweet Sammy J. Her Heart Must Be Made Of Stone / Baby, Just You And Me 196?
5040 The Original Mustangs Oh, Baby / Jump, Lula 196?
5041 Eddie Kirk Every Hour, Every Minute (I Wanna Be With You) / The Grunt 196?
5042 Richard Smith I Don't Wanna Cry / Mama Cried 196?
5043 Walter Hamilton Nobody But Me / Loosen Up Your Thing 196?
5044 Dell Vaugh with The Fortune Aires (a) / Johnny Powers and his Rockets (b) Rock The Universe / Honey Let's Go (To A Rock And Roll Show) (reissue) 1965
5045 Roy Hall and his Jumping Cats Three Alley Cats / Bed Spring Motel (23 Spring St.) (with picture sleeve) 1965
5046 Ellis Kirk and the Town & Country Boys Sweetie Pie / Joann 1965
5047 Tony Vella Danny's Polka / Quirdro Nos 196?
5048 Len Bland and the Hi-Notes For Your Love, Pretty Baby / Operator 196?
5049 Pat Holden My Mother Is A Funky Chicken / Keep On Truckin' 196?
5050 Roy Hall's Alley Cats Dig Everybody Dig That Boogie / Go Go Little Queenie! (b-side possibly features Andre Williams on vocals) 1965
RENOWN - singles
5001 Rambling Rufus Shoffner & The Tennessee River Boys - Afraid I'll Lose You / Shotgun Wedding - 1952
5002 Floyd Compton & His Western Troubadours - She Won't Turn Over For Me (vocal by Tommy Odum) / Careless Lover - 1952
5008 Johnny Buckett & His Cumberland River Boys - Griddle Greasing Daddy /// Shoun Brothers - Handy Man
STRATE-8 - singles
1500 The Richard Brothers Drunk Driver's Coming / Stolen Property 1959 (recorded 1956)
1501 Don Rader and the Five Stars Rockin' The Blues / I Was A Fool 1959
1503 Jimmy Gartin and his Bad Cats Why Did You Leave Me / Honey Won't You Love Me 1960
1504 Kenny Lane and his Bull Dogs Columbus Stockade Blues / Froggy Went A Courtin' 1960
1505 Ali Mapo Promise Me Linda / ? 1960
1506 Ali Mapo You Don't Know My Mind / Promise Me Linda 1960
1507 Don Rader and The Five Stars Rock & Roll Grampa / A Day At The Pines 1967 (reissued 1970) with a alt version of R'N'R Granpa)
1508 Roy Hall - vocal & piano (a) / Don Radar - vocal, Roy Hall - at the piano (b) Rockin' The Blues (unissued alt Cut from 1957) / (She Sure Can) Rock Me (recorded 1960) 1968
1509 Don Rader and the 20th Century Ranch Boys Goodbye, I Hate To See You Go / You Win Again 1968
1510 Don Rader and the 20th Century Ranch Boys Smile Of Love / Don't I Know You 1970
1511 Don Rader and the 20th Century Ranch Boys Rader's Blues / Some Day I'm Gonna Cry 197?
1512 Don Rader and the 20th Century Ranch Boys Area Code To Heaven / Good Bye, I Hate To See You Go 1970
See also
References
- 1 2 3 "The Fortune Records Story". SoulfulDetroit. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
- ↑ "Westwood Music Group". Westwood Music Group. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
External links
- Official site from Westwood Music Group
- Listen to Nolan Strong & the Diablos
- The Fortune Records Story from SoulfulDetroit.com
- a Fortune Records story
- Fortune Records on MySpace
- Fortune Records story from Both Sides Now Publications