Sunbird Records Explained

Sunbird Records was an independent record label in the United States during the late 1970s and 1980s. Freddie Hart had a few hits with Sunbird after he left Capitol Records in 1979.[1] Earl Thomas Conley also recorded some hits with Sunbird while working with Randy Scruggs.[1] Delbert McClinton recorded his hit "Not Exactly Free" with the label.[2]

Background

The label was founded by Nelson Larkin.[3]

Elroy Kahanek was one of the label's employees. Bobby G. Rice also recorded with the label.[4] Sheb Wooley with Hi C. Lea recorded the single "Jackhammer Man" with the label in 1981.[5] Price Mitchell and Rene Sloane did a recording on a 45 of "Mr. And Mrs. Untrue" and on the B side "Savin' It All For You" on Sunbird[6] (he had recorded the 1971 Candi Staton song with Jerri Kelly in 1975). The same 45 was also released on Sunset Records.

Earl Thomas Conley recorded his Blue Pearl album with Sunbird.[7] His song "Fire and Smoke" from the similarly titled album reached #1 on the country music chart in 1981[8] and he was soon signed to RCA Records.

Freddie Hart had a Top 20 hit with "Sure Thing" on a Sunbird album in 1980 and then three Top 40 hits in 1981.

Later years

Founder Nelson Larkin died at age 70 on Monday, November 18, 2013.[9]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Carlin, Richard. Country Music: A Biographical Dictionary. May 7, 2003. Taylor & Francis. 9780415938020. Google Books.
  2. Book: Country Music: The Encyclopedia. Irwin. Stambler. Grelun. Landon. July 14, 2000. Macmillan. 9780312264871. Google Books.
  3. Taste of Country, November 1, 2013 - Producer and Songwriter Nelson Larkin Dead at 70 - Billy Dukes
  4. Web site: Sunbird Records Label Discography - USA - 45cat. www.45cat.com.
  5. Web site: Sheb Wooley - Jackhammer Man - New and Used Vinyl, CD and Cassette | Reverb LP. lp.reverb.com.
  6. Web site: Price Mitchell And Rene Sloane - Mr. And Mrs. Untrue. www.45cat.com.
  7. Book: Giants of Country Music: Classic Sounds and Stars, from the Heart of Nashville to the Top of the Charts. registration. sunbird records.. Neil. Haislop. Tad. Lathrop. Harry. Sumrall. May 8, 1995. Billboard Books. Internet Archive.
  8. Billboard.com - Year End Charts - Year-end Singles - Hot Country Songs. https://web.archive.org/web/20071211063412/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/yearend_chart_display.jsp?f=Hot+Country+Songs&g=Year-end+Singles&year=1981. dead. December 11, 2007. Billboard. December 11, 2007.
  9. Taste of Country, November 1, 2013 - Producer and Songwriter Nelson Larkin Dead at 70 - Billy Dukes

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Sunbird Records".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.