Maybe it's been there for ages, but yesterday I stumbled on a back issue of Billboard that Google had scanned and put online.  And there are thousands more from every period.

 I wish I had time to go through all the issues but my job keeps me too busy.  

Anyway they are easy to find if you're inclined.  And you might even see an advert like this one...

Yup, the entire Billboard archive has been available through Google Books for a few years. Absolutely amazing what you can find in there, isn't it?

3 hours ago, Russell Gilbert said:

Yup, the entire Billboard archive has been available through Google Books for a few years. Absolutely amazing what you can find in there, isn't it?

It certainly is.  I could spend hours and hours reading.  The R&B page in the 1960's issues  is pretty lightweight compared to country and easy Listening sections etc. but I imagine there might be some great leads for R&B radio DJ names if anyone had the time to research and locate them (dreaming of treasure in the attic).  Was surprised to see a full page colour ad for Big Wheel Records though.  Always imagine these independents to have been shoestring operations.  Anyway, a fascinating resource.  

 

Edited March 2, 20178 yr by Dayo

23 hours ago, Dayo said:

but I imagine there might be some great leads for R&B radio DJ names if anyone had the time to research and locate them

I think what you need is this excellent one-man project: https://americanradiohistory.com/index.htm

The site also has Billboard and Cash Box magazines scanned, but not everything.

Loads of great stuff on-line from Billboard, Cashbox & Record World + other mags & newspapers . . . . . .

I posted dozens & dozens up on Dave Flynn's old site years ago (SOUL TALK  -- that's gone though now) . . . .  still paste a few up almost everyday on Facebook. 

Edited March 5, 20178 yr by Roburt

Ive got and had a Billboard international 1969 edition, been using it for years, it has pages of record label addresses, owners co owners phone # what other labels they owned. Then there is producers, distributers one stops. Tape whole sellers, pressing plants, label printers mothers disc makers and so on