Okeh Records
Originally based in New York city the Okeh label began its existence in 1918, recording all kinds of music.
By 1920 onwards it become a subsidiary label for Columbia Records and in the same decade opened a studio in Chicago, which focused its attention on black (‘Race’) music and released the first ever Blues record by a black artist… Mamie Smith – ‘Crazy Blues’.
During the 30’s Okeh became well known for recording Jazz and Blues artists such as Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Hot Sevens Combo’s.
It was not until 1962, which is where my true interest in this label has its focus, with the arrival of Carl Davis (A&R Director) and later Curtis Mayfield and together they would write and produce nearly all of Okeh’s R&B hits and establish what was to become the Chicago Sound.
Okeh was the first label to use two trombones and the baritone sax.
Add that to strong brass and string sections, all go toward creating a distinctive and unique sound.
Regular in-house session players included;
Trombones; John Avant and Morris Ellis.
Sax; Cliff Davis
Trumpets; Paul Serrano and Maury Watson
Others included; Billy Butler, Gerald Simms, Kermit Chandler.
Piano players Floyd Morris, John Young and Ken Boyd and drummer Maurice White (founder member of Earth, Wind & Fire).
Featured samples from the Okeh label are;
Little Richard – I Don’t Want To Discuss It
Billy Butler – Right Track
Major Lance – (Get My Hat) Nothing Can Stop Me
Williams & Watson – Too Late
Major Lance – Ain’t No Soul Left In These Old Shoes
Okeh label smples...play loudly!
Closing in 1970, the legendary Okeh Record label was a major recording and production force of Chicago Soul music.