Vee-Jay Records, the groundbreaking label known for their early recordings of Little Richard, Jimmy Reed, The Staple Singers, John Lee Hooker, and other music legends, is now preparing to release their catalogue digitally for the first time.
Vee-Jay Records, founded in 1953 by Vivian Carter and James C. Bracken, was the first post-war African American-owned record label, predating Motown. The label specialized in Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Rhythm and Blues, and became an instant success when the first song they recorded hit the top ten of the national rhythm and blues charts. They were the first U.S. company to sign The Beatles and released the songs "From Me to You," "Love Me Do" and "Please Please Me," all before The Beatles became a household name.
Several catalogue titles will be available starting December 4th, 2007 on the top digital music stores, including Little Richard's Little Richard is Back, Jimmy Reed's Rockin' With Reed, Lightnin' Hopkins' Lightnin' Strikes, The Staple Singers' Swing Low Sweet Chariot, a Vee-Jay Christmas, and more.
Titles to be released on December 4th:
Staple Singers - Uncloudy Day & Will The Circle be Unbroken
Little Richard - Little Richard is Back
Jimmy Reed - Rockin' With Reed
John Lee Hooker - John Lee Hooker on Vee-Jay 1955-1958
Lightnin' Hopkins - Lightnin' Strikes
Little Richard - Talking ‘Bout Soul
The Staple Singers - Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Betty Everett - The Shoop Shoop Song
Dells - Dreams of Contentment
The Young Lions - The Young Lions
Various Artists - A Vee-Jay Christmas
Paul Chambers - 1st Bassman
Vee-Jay Records Full Album Downloads
Released digitally for the first time!
Wayne Shorter - Wayning Moments (Oct 16)
Billy Preston - The Complete Vee-Jay Recordings (Oct 30)
Billy Preston - The Most Exciting Organ Ever (Oct 30)
Gene Allison - s/t (Oct 30)
Jerry Butler - Aware of Love (Oct 30)
The El Dorados - The Very Best of the El Dorados (Oct 30)
The Impressions - s/t (Oct 30)
The Original Blind Boys of Mississippi - The Great Lost Blind Boys Album (Oct 30)
Jerry Butler - ESQ / He Will Break Your Heart (Nov 20)
Jerry Butler - For Your Precious Love / Folk Songs (Nov 20)
Jerry Butler - Moon River / Delicious Together (Nov 20)
A Vee-Jay Christmas (Dec 4)
Lightnin' Hopkins - Lightnin' Strikes (Dec 4)
Paul Chambers - First Bassman (Dec 4)
Little Richard - Is Back (Dec 4)
Betty Everett - The Shoop Shoop Song (Dec 4)
Staple Singers - Uncloudy Day & Will The Circle be Unbroken (Dec 4)
Jimmy Reed - Rockin' With Reed (Dec 4)
John Lee Hooker - John Lee Hooker on Vee-Jay 1955-1958 (Dec 4)
Dells - Dreams of Contentment (Dec 4)
The Young Lions - The Young Lions (Dec 4)
Little Richard - Talkin' Bout Soul 1964-1965 (Dec 11)
The Staple Singers - Swing Low Sweet Chariot (Dec 11)
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