Chelsea Records
| Chelsea | |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Sony Music Entertainment |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Status | Defunct since 1977 |
| Distributor(s) | Self-distributed |
| Genre | Various |
| Country of origin | United States |
Chelsea Records was an American-based record company founded by musician, songwriter, and record producer Wes Farrell in 1972. Within the company's first four months, it released its first gold single, "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast" by Wayne Newton.[1] In addition to Newton, Chelsea featured a number of new and established artists like Tommy Boyce, Jim Gilstrap, Lulu, Jigsaw, New York City, and Rick Springfield.[2][3]
History
[edit]A sublabel, Roxbury Records, focused on the soul and R&B market and scored a million-selling hit with William DeVaughn's "Be Thankful for What You Got" in 1974.[4]
It was reported in the 22 February 1975 issue of Record World that Chelsea artist Ronnie Williams was the charter client for new company, Camillo /Marcucci Productions which was formed by Tony Camillo.[5] Williams' single "Dreamin'" charted in the UK.[6]
RCA Records originally handled distribution for Chelsea, but Farrell switched to independent distributors in 1974,[7] and later did its own distribution.[8] Ultimately, RCA absorbed the label in 1977.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Chelsea Hits Gold—Fast". Billboard. Vol. 84, no. 31. July 29, 1972. p. 3. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ Sutherland, Sam (April 14, 1973). "Studio Track". Billboard. Vol. 85, no. 15. p. 18. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ Lichtman, Irv (March 16, 1996). "Songwriter/Exec Wes Farrell Dies". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 11. p. 118. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ Cash Box, May 11, 1974 - Page 56 CASH BOX/R&B TOP 70, 2 BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU GOT William De Vaughn (Roxbury BRBO 0236) 8
- ^ Billboard, February 22, 1975 - Page 63 New Companies
- ^ Music Week, April 5, 1975 - Page 27 Soul Chart, 18 16 DREAMIN': Ronnie Williams
- ^ "Chelsea Switches From RCA to Indie Dist's". Billboard. Vol. 86, no. 25. June 22, 1974. p. 6. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ Williams, Jean (October 16, 1976). "Birthright Records in Campaign". Billboard. Vol. 88, no. 42. p. 47. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ "Chelsea Records". RateYourMusic.com. Retrieved November 25, 2012.