Is the background / history of this UK record company documented anywhere ??

 

 

I know they ended up putting out loads of Irish things but in their early days it was mainly ska & soul tracks that they released.

London based (Stamford Hill, North London) and run by a guy named Ben Isen. They seemed to do their US licensing via three strange outfits in Las Vegas, Florida and LA plus they had links with Swedish & Dutch organisations.

BUT, how did they land the ska stuff, who did they license those tracks through ? 

Edited August 4, 201311 yr by Roburt

Anybody got a scan of the Betty Everett King 45's label ??

Here are some nice images:

 

RITA KING

 

R&B DISCS

Sir Coxsone Dodd

Is the background / history of this UK record company documented anywhere ??

 

I think I wrote a piece on the label in the late 90's which might be in the archives here.  Then again, I might not have.  I thought there surname was Izen though.  They dealt directly with producers in Jamaica.  

An old thread here with a bit of info

 

This is excellent

 

https://www.uncarved.org/blog/2011/08/the-secret-ska-history-of-stamford-hill/

Didn't realise that Giant Records was one of theirs, though the info is printed on the 45's labels (always loved "Cool Down Your Temper").

I did THINK that the UK Carnival label (2 x Manhattans 45's) was connected though. Is that not the case ?

Edited August 5, 201311 yr by Roburt

The UK reggae journalist Penny Reel would be able to tell you all about Benny and his wife Rita.  I also know another guy who used to shop there in the 60s too.  I'll get in touch with them for you.

Didn't realise that Giant Records was one of theirs, though the info is printed on the 45's labels (always loved "Cool Down Your Temper").

I did THINK that the UK Carnival label (2 x Manhattans 45's) was connected though. Is that not the case ?

 

It's very likely, the vinyl is the same quality as Ska Beat from the same period but I can't say for sure.

Just got this back from my mate Brian who used to shop at the Isen's/King's place in the 60s:

 

 Yo G-Man, thanks for the heads up on that but I'm afraid he will have to read my book for any info on Rita & Benny. He starts out saying they ended up doing Irish music, well actually that's not true. They started out by selling Irish music and one of their biggest acts was Larry Cuningham.

Just got this back from my mate Brian who used to shop at the Isen's/King's place in the 60s:

 

 Yo G-Man, thanks for the heads up on that but I'm afraid he will have to read my book for any info on Rita & Benny. He starts out saying they ended up doing Irish music, well actually that's not true. They started out by selling Irish music and one of their biggest acts was Larry Cuningham.

 

I'd tell him where to shove his book and get the info off the net where it costs f*ck all.

And he's incorrect, they'd been trading for four or five years before they released a Larry Cunnigham record

Edited August 5, 201311 yr by Pete S

i have a scan of the Mary Love ,'you turned my bitter into sweet' ,when i can find it .

i sold it too cheaply around 10 years ago in mint ..

how they bagged that i dont know 

 

 

Don't shoot the messenger!!!!

Don't shoot the messenger!!!!

 

I wasn't mate, honest, but really...

I wasn't mate, honest, but really...

The guy must be a GIANT prat .........

Edited August 6, 201311 yr by Roburt

I worked in the shop with Rita and Benny 1968 to 1971. I even stayed with them in 1971.

Christine, you must have some stories to tell then ...