Swingin' Records Explained

Swingin' Records
Founder:Hunter Hancock, Roger Davenport
Distributor:Allied Record Distributing Company (ARDCO)
Genre:R&B,
Country:United States
Location:Hollywood, California

Swingin' Records was a Hollywood based record label that released recordings by artists such as Big Jay McNeely, Rochell & the Candles and The Hollywood Saxons.

Background

The label was formed in 1959 by Roger Davenport and Hunter Hancock. Its first release was "There Is Something on Your Mind" which was a hit for sax player, Big Jay McNeely.[1] The catalogue also included releases by Marvin & Johnny, Rochell & the Candles and the Hollywood Saxons.[2] It was located at 1554 N. Gower Hollywood, CA.[3]

In the mid 1960s, Davenport would later run Consolidated International Record Co. with Al Stewart.[4]

History

It was reported in the May 25, 1959 issue of The Billboard that Swingin' was one of the 15 new labels that started up in the last week.[5]

Discography

Compilations featuring recordings from the Swingin' Records catalogue
ActTitleCatalogueYearNotes #
Various artistsThe Best Of Swingin RecordsRelic Records 5060 LP
The Golden Groups Series Volume 36[6] [7]
Various artistsThe Golden Era of Doo-Wops: Swingin' RecordsRelic Record Productions 7140 2018CD[8]

Notes and References

  1. The Los Angeles Times, August 11, 2004 - Hunter Hancock, 88; Brought R&B; to L.A. Radio Stations in 1940s
  2. The Washington Post, - Blues, Rock DJ Hunter Hancock, 88
  3. ARLD: the American Record Label Directory and Dating Guide, 1940-1959, Galen Gart,, 9780936433110 - Page 216
  4. Billboard, June 4, 1966 - Page 3 Executive Turntable
  5. The Billboard, May 25, 1959 - Page 8 15 MORE JOIN LABEL PARADE
  6. Discogs - Various – The Best Of Swingin Records
  7. Schwann Record & Tape Guide, Volume 39, Issue 2 - Page C-405
  8. AllMusic - Various Artists, The Golden Era of Doo-Wops: Swingin' Records