There were at least 4 different US rekkid labels who titled emsens Mr G Records (though one had the alternate name of Grerory Records - thereby clashing with the Ohio based Gregory / Airtown / Juke & Terry set-up) ...

Anyway, are the details on these labels known; owners, producers, staff, studios used, etc ??

I know the Norfolk based Mr G (Gregory) was linked to Noah Biggs and his Shiptown set-up. This label also had links with the Luray label (that Ida Sands also had a 45 out on). Luray was owned by Jonas Walker. L-Rev Records also had links. Mr.G's main act (Al Glover) used to tour as back-up to Ida Sands.

At Prestatyn, I asked Don Gardner if he had anything to do with the ownership / running of the NY based label and he said NO, the label name was just a coincidence. He did tell me who ran it but I forget the details.

 

Edited April 15, 20178 yr by Roburt

I would imagine James E. Gregory is the owner, he is the producer on the Dream Team 45 and other Mr G releases.

Edited April 15, 20178 yr by chalky

Leroy And The Fabulous Rocking Soul Band, also recorded on Gregory (Just Jiving Around) which also came out on Plot which was recorded at Studio Center, Norfolk, VA 1972.

There's a decent documentary online all about Charlie McClendon (& the Magnificents) who had the 45 out on L-Rev. L-Rev was owned / run by Richard Levin + Tom & Steve Herman. Charlie was also connected with Frank Guida who was the 1st guy to run labels / have a studio (408 W. Princess Anne Road) in Norfolk. Of course, Noah Biggs (Shiptown / How Big / NimBig Music) was the manager of the Showmen & helped get the group their deal with Minit back in 61. Norman Johnson (of the Showmen) wrote the original song cut by Charlie McClendon on L-Rev. Lenis Guess wrote a song that was cut for How Big.

On the 'Funky Virginia' site it says Noah Biggs had a part in owning / running the Mr G (aka Gregory label).

Seems all the guys down in Norfolk were tied up together in some way or other. 

https://virginiafolklife.org/2015/05/magnificent-the-charlie-mcclendon-story/

 

Edited April 15, 20178 yr by Roburt

Their local 45 and anuda 45 from Charlie & his group . . . General Norm Johnson wrote the songs on both B sides ..

Edited April 15, 20178 yr by Roburt

The NY label was a pop label, and it was apparently created by Audio Fidelity Records according to Billboard at the time. 

On 4/16/2017 at 10:25, Steve G said:

The NY label was a pop label, and it was apparently created by Audio Fidelity Records according to Billboard at the time. 

The label must have bought in the Don Gardner 45 then, as I doubt many would describe Morris Bailey + Lawton & McCoy as delivering 'pop label' stuff.

32 minutes ago, Roburt said:

The label must have bought in the Don Gardner 45 then, as I doubt many would describe Morris Bailey + Lawton & McCoy as delivering 'pop label' stuff.

John, Look at 45cat if you don't believe me.....https://www.45cat.com/label/mr-g Pop outnumbers soul easily on this label. It was a pop label. 

Steve, I don't doubt what you're saying. I just think that the Don Gardner 45 must have been a 'bought in' cut rather than an in-house effort.

I believe they were all 'bought in' efforts, there is a wide variety of writers and producers. 

Couple more John