Dick Griffey
Richard Gilbert Griffey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | September 24, 2010 (aged 71) Canoga Park, Los Angeles, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Music promoter, record producer |
| Years active | 1960s–2010 |
| Known for | Founder of SOLAR Records; concert promotion for James Brown, The Sylvers, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Jacksons |
| Spouse | Carrie Lucas (m. 1974) |
Richard Gilbert Griffey (November 16, 1938 – September 24, 2010) was a prominent American music promoter and record producer who established SOLAR Records ("Sound of Los Angeles Records"). This label played a crucial role in shaping a distinctive fusion of funk, disco, R&B, and soul throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As a concert promoter, Griffey secured performances for renowned artists such as James Brown, The Sylvers, Aretha Franklin, Jon Gibson, Stevie Wonder, and the Jacksons.
Biography
Originating from Nashville, Tennessee, Griffey grew up in public housing and performed as a drummer in local clubs during his teenage years. After a short period at Tennessee State University, he joined the United States Navy at age 17, serving as a medic before transitioning to private nursing duties. In the 1960s, Griffey relocated to Los Angeles where he became part owner of the Guys and Dolls nightclub, which hosted acts like Isaac Hayes and Ike & Tina Turner. His work as a concert promoter earned him the title "Kingpin of Soul Promoters," and he also managed finances for the girl group Honey Cone. Griffey was engaged to Carolyn Willis from Honey Cone in 1971.
Griffey contributed as a talent coordinator on Soul Train, the show created by Don Cornelius. Together, they launched The Soul Train Club in 1974 and Soul Train Records in 1975. After acquiring Cornelius' stake, Griffey renamed the label SOLAR Records in 1977. Industry observers anticipated SOLAR would emerge as the "Motown of the '80s." Notable artists on the label included Shalamar with hits like "The Second Time Around" and "This Is for the Lover in You", along with The Whispers known for "And the Beat Goes On" and "Rock Steady". Additional SOLAR signees featured The Deele, Dynasty, Klymaxx, Lakeside, and Midnight Star.
Through his subsidiary Constellation Records, Griffey signed Jon Gibson, whose demo recordings were frequently compared to Stevie Wonder’s style. Gibson made his debut as a guest vocalist on Bill Wolfer’s album Wolf, where he connected with Wonder and Michael Jackson. Wolfer produced Gibson’s first album Standing on the One (1983), highlighting his songwriting ability and vocal skills.
Producer and artist Babyface credited Griffey with inspiring him to pursue a solo career after feeling constrained within The Deele. Esteemed producer Quincy Jones recognized Griffey’s impact on significant hits during the 1980s, while Stevie Wonder acknowledged his career support. Griffey also advised Kool & the Gang to secure a dedicated lead vocalist, which resulted in James "J.T." Taylor joining the group.
In the early 1990s, Griffey played a role in launching rap label Death Row Records, co-founded by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight. Parts of Dr. Dre's influential album The Chronic were recorded at SOLAR studios owned by Griffey. Nevertheless, in 1997 Griffey and rapper Tracy "The D.O.C." Curry filed a lawsuit against Death Row claiming they were unfairly excluded from ownership shares and profits by Knight and Dre.
Death and legacy
Griffey passed away at the age of 71 on September 24, 2010, while undergoing recovery from quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery at a rehabilitation facility located in Canoga Park, Los Angeles. He left behind his wife, singer Carrie Lucas, to whom he had been married since 1974, as well as four children and five grandchildren.
His daughter, Carolyn Griffey, became a member of Shalamar in 2005 and remains active with the group. Griffey's story is also highlighted in the documentary series Profiles of African-American Success.
In 2018, Carrie Lucas, Carolyn Griffey, Lucas Griffey, and Chinese music promoter Jessie Tsang revitalized Solar Records along with Soul Train Records in the United Kingdom. Jessie Tsang holds the position of CEO, with Sonia Damney acting as Vice President. Carrie Lucas retains the trademark ownership for Shalamar across the UK and Europe.
In 2022, Carrie Lucas appeared in a special edition of the US cable network TV One’s Unsung series, which focused on Dick Griffey and Solar Records; this episode was broadcast on November 6.