| Groove Records | |
|---|---|
| Parent company | RCA Victor Records |
| Founded | 1953 |
| Defunct | 1965 |
| Status | Absorbed into RCA Victor Records: Defunct |
| Distributor(s) | RCA Victor Records |
| Genre | Rhythm & Blues (first incarnation), Country (second incarnation) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | New 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Shaw, Arnold (1978). Honkers and Shouters. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. pp. 460–466. ISBN 0-02-061740-2.
- ^ "Billboard" (PDF). Americanradiohistory.com. 1961-10-09. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
- ^ Billboard - Google Books. 1963-03-16. p. 5. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
- ^ Who Sampled - Judy in Disguise by Anthony Swete
- ^ Global Dog Productions - 45 RPM Groove Records discography. Globaldogproductions.info, Retrieved 2012-02-12.