Swing Time Records
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | Jack Lauderdale |
| Defunct | 1954 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Records (primarily rhythm and blues and swing) |
Swing Time Records was an American record label operating primarily during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Established in 1947 by Jack Lauderdale in Los Angeles, it initially bore the name Down Beat Records. Around October 1949, the label was retitled Swing Beat Records, and by approximately March 1950, it adopted the name Swing Time. Although the company declared bankruptcy in 1953, it continued to issue singles into early 1954.
The label is notable for featuring early recordings of prominent rhythm and blues and swing musicians such as Ray Charles, Percy Mayfield, and Lowell Fulson. Certain releases were issued under different label names.
Leasing, purchasing, reissuing, signings
Jack Lauderdale began the label's journey with sessions by the Lucky Thompson Quartet including Dodo Marmarosa in late 1946, resulting in three releases during 1947. Early artists signed to the label included Felix Gross & His Sextet, who produced eight records between 1947 and 1949. The company also leased and reissued material from the Five Soul Stirrers originally on Bronze Records, as well as Lowell Fulson’s recordings from Bob Geddins’ Big Town/Down Town/Cava-Tone groups and Trilon labels, amounting to twelve releases between 1947 and 1949. Additionally, masters by Jimmy McCracklin & His Blues Blasters were obtained from Trilon.
In 1950, Lauderdale acquired master tapes of Charles Brown’s group, Johnny Moore's Three Blazers, from Leon René’s Exclusive Records. He also purchased masters by Brown’s former spouse, Mabel Scott. That year, he took over Al Patrick’s defunct Supreme Records imprint, reissuing recordings from artists such as Jimmy Witherspoon backed by Jay McShann’s band, Paula Watson, Percy Mayfield, Floyd Dixon, the gospel ensemble Stars of Harmony, and Maxwell Davis’ orchestra featuring Marshal Royal through 1951.
Pianist Lloyd Glenn was signed not only as a performer but also served as house band leader, arranger for sessions, and A&R representative. Other notable signings included Pete Johnson’s band with Big Joe Turner; the Maxin/Maxim Trio featuring Ray Charles; Dexter Gordon’s quintet with Wardell Gray (which released two records); and songwriter/bassist Shifty Henry (one record in 1950). Later additions to the roster were Play Boy Thomas (two records in 1953) and the Hollywood Flames with Bobby Byrd (one record in 1954).
A number of Swing Time’s releases—particularly seasonal singles—were permanently leased to Hollywood Records.
Numbering system
The numbering sequence for Down Beat/Swing Beat/Swing Time Records spanned from No. 100 in 1947 up to No. 347 by 1954. In late 1952, Lauderdale initiated a subsidiary label named Flame Records, which used a catalog numbering system running from No. 1001 through No. 1009.
See also
External links
- Swing Time Records on the Internet Archive's Great 78 Project