Okeh The R&B Years 1953-62 -The Soul Of The Big City – Various Artists LP Vinyl (Outta Sight)

The legendary Okeh Records needs little introduction to soul music fans around the world. It has been relentlessly plundered and treasured for its slue of Northern Soul classics produced by A&R manager Carl Davis and his songwriter Curtis Mayfield during the “soul years” 1963-70.

However, the imprint was originally launched 100 years ago in 1918 by Otto K. E. Heinemann who had already established a recording studio and pressing plant in New York City. The label name was derived from Heinemann’s initials O.K.E.H. From the very early years, Okeh issued records for minority audiences, such as its foreign language music, field recordings and Dixieland jazz. But perhaps the most significant recording was “That Thing Called Love” by Mamie Smith in 1920, the first ever by a black blues singer. The success of Mamie Smith led to Okeh’s 8000 series which ran until 1932.

In 1953, Okeh became an exclusive R&B label and it is the ensuing decade of recordings that form the focus of our collection, from Titus Turner’s raucous “Big Mary” in ’53 to Gerald Sims’ laid back “Cool Breeze” in ’62.

Many of these recordings are reissued here for the first time and together showcase the very best of Okeh’s R&B Years.
The Soul of the Big City…

• An historic collection showcasing the very best of the Okeh R&B Years
• 16 massive tracks including seldom heard rarities from Titus Turner, Jolly Boy Shepard and Jean DuShon
• Includes the unreleased at the time “Ocean Of Tears” by Big Maybelle
• Of huge interest to R&B DJ’s and collectors