USA Records
| Company type | Independent record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Jim Golden |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Records |
USA Records was a Chicago-based independent record label operating in the United States.
Background
In 1960, Jim Golden founded USA Records as a division of Allstate Distributors in Chicago, a company owned by Paul Glass. The corporate office of USA Record Co., Inc. was situated at 1448 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60605—directly across from Chess Records and Glass's Allstate Distributors, which served as Chess' regional distributor. Although USA Records produced multiple regional hits, its most notable achievement was the 1967 number-one single "Kind of a Drag" performed by The Buckinghams. The label continued its operations until 1969.
History (USA)
In 1966, Ricky Allen released the single "I Ain't Never" with the B-side "Hurt Look on My Face" on USA 858, which earned a spot on the Billboard R&B Spotlight Chart.
The Buckinghams’ track "Kind of a Drag", accompanied by "You Make Me Feel So Good," was issued under USA 860. By late 1966, this release had become a significant hit in Chicago and was swiftly gaining popularity nationwide.
Another group, The Skunks, recorded the song "Elvira" with the B-side "The Journey," released on USA 865 in 1967. This single received favorable critiques and was anticipated to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
History (Jim Golden)
Jim Golden produced the single "Heart Teaser Crowd Pleaser" backed with "New Day's Sunshine" for Big Sir; the songwriters included Scott English, O'Brien, and St. Clair. This track was a rendition of an original hit by Flavor. The Big Sir release was selected as a Cash Box Newcomer Pick in July 1969 due to its strong appeal to teenagers and dynamic rock sound. Additionally, it earned recognition as a Record World Four Star Pick that same month for its captivating style and audience engagement.
Later years
In 2015, 43 North Broadway, LLC secured global rights to the catalog of USA Records.
Founder Jim Golden died on June 30, 2014.
External links
- U.S.A. Discography at Bsnpubs.com
- 45 Discography for U.S.A. Records at Globaldogproductions.info
- USA Records at Discogs.com