| Claridge Records | |
| Founded: | 1965 (First incarnation) 1974 (Second incarnation) |
| Founder: | Frank Slay Dennis Ganim |
| Defunct: | 1967 (First incarnation) 1978 (Second incarnation) |
| Distributor: | Self-distributed |
| Genre: | Various |
| Country: | United States |
Claridge Records was an American independent record label, owned by Frank Slay.[1]
Claridge Records was started in 1965 by Frank Slay and Dennis Ganim as a division of River Bottom Enterprises. At that time, it was based in New York. The Rockin' Ramrods were the first band that signed a recording contract with the new company in 1965. "Don't Fool with Fu Manchu" was issued in October, 1965, but was unsuccessful.[2] Claridge Records released 19 singles but, due to lack of success, closed down in 1967.
In 1974, the label was revived in Los Angeles.[3] One of its signings, Sugarloaf, had a Billboard Hot 100 hit that peaked at number nine with "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You", in 1975. Other artists were Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis.[4]
In 1976, the company changed its focus from rock to disco, this time releasing 37 singles, three albums, and a few 12" disco singles. It closed down again in 1978. In 1980, the company was sold to MPL Communications.[5]