Groove Records

Groove Records
Parent companyRCA Victor Records
Founded1953 (1953)
Defunct1965 (1965)
StatusAbsorbed into RCA Victor Records: Defunct
Distributor(s)RCA Victor Records
GenreRhythm & Blues (first incarnation), Country (second incarnation)
Country of originUnited States
LocationNew York City

Groove Records was a subsidiary of RCA Victor records, founded by Billboard writer Bob Rolontz in 1953 as a rhythm and blues label.[1] The label tried hard to break into the R&B market. Piano Red had its first hit but Mickey & Sylvia was its first big seller. The label also recorded King Curtis, Arthur Crudup, Brook Benton and George Benson. Following Mickey & Sylvia's big hit "Love Is Strange" in 1957, Groove was deactivated and its remaining artists switched over to RCA's Vik subsidiary.[2]

In 1961, Groove was revived as a budget singles label with more of a country music bent, and some pop and R&B acts.[3] It was given a full revival in 1963.[4] Artists who recorded for the later incarnation of Groove included Anthony Swete,[5] Sonny James, Justin Tubb, Marty Paich, Johnny Nash, Jack Scott, Johnnie Ray, Skip Battin, and Charlie Rich.[6] This version of the label lasted until 1965.

  1. ^ Gillett, Charlie (1996). The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll ((2nd Ed.) ed.). New York, N.Y.: Da Capo Press. p. 86. ISBN 0-306-80683-5.
  2. ^ Shaw, Arnold (1978). Honkers and Shouters. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. pp. 460–466. ISBN 0-02-061740-2.
  3. ^ "Billboard" (PDF). Americanradiohistory.com. 1961-10-09. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  4. ^ Billboard - Google Books. 1963-03-16. p. 5. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
  5. ^ Who Sampled - Judy in Disguise by Anthony Swete
  6. ^ Global Dog Productions - 45 RPM Groove Records discography. Globaldogproductions.info, Retrieved 2012-02-12.