Domino Records (1957)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music industry |
| Founded | 1957 in Austin, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 1961 |
| Headquarters | Austin , United States |
Key people | Lora Jane Richardson (manager) |
| Products | Records |
Domino Records was a regional American record company founded in 1957 in Austin, Texas. Its roster featured artists such as George Underwood, Clarence Smith and the Daylighters, Ray Campi, the Slades, Joyce Webb, Jesse Harris, and Joyce Harris. Lora Jane Richardson managed the label throughout its existence from 1957 until 1961. The label ceased operations in the early 1960s.
History
In 1957, Domino Records was launched by a group of eleven music marketing night-school students who each contributed five dollars weekly to cover expenses. The label’s most notable commercial success was achieved by a white doo-wop group originally called "The Spades," which later changed its name to the Slades to avoid racial implications. Their 1958 track "You Cheated" gained popularity across Texas and attracted attention from major record companies seeking national distribution rights.
Although Dot Records showed strong interest in distributing the single, Domino declined their offer and chose to employ its own distributor to maintain control over the band. Unfortunately, this distributor failed to perform effectively, resulting in many national copies remaining unsold in storage. Subsequently, Dot released a cover version by "The Sheilds," which climbed to number 12 on Billboard, while the original recording reached only number 42.
By 1959, Domino was searching for fresh local talent; however, by the end of that year, only three founding members—Anne Miller, Kathy Parker, and Lora Jane Richardson—remained active. In 1960, they revived the label with a broader musical focus and encouraged artists to compose their own songs while retaining publishing rights. This approach generated income when The Fleetwoods recorded the Slades' "You Mean Everything to Me" as the B-side to "Mr. Blue." Despite these efforts, Domino failed to achieve widespread success and ultimately closed its doors in 1961.
Legacy
Domino Records is acknowledged as Austin’s pioneering influential record label.
Sonny Rhodes remarked that his experience with Domino was more equitable compared to other labels he collaborated with.
In 1998, Ace Records issued The Domino Records Story, a compilation showcasing the label’s significant releases.