Mr G labels

[Roburt]

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, 2017 by Roburt

[Chalky]

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, 2017 by chalky

[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.

[Roburt]

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, 2017 by Roburt

[Roburt]

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

Edited April 15, 2017 by Roburt

[Steve G]

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

[Roburt]

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.

[Steve G]

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. 

[Roburt]

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.

[Steve G]

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

[Paul Dunn]

Couple more John