Groove Records
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Groove Records (subsidiary of RCA) was founded by Billboard reporter Bob Rolontz in 1953 as a rhythm and blues label. The label tried hard to break into the R&B market. Piano Red was its first hit but Mickey & Sylvia was its first big seller. The label also recorded King Curtis, Arthur Crudup, Brook Benton and little George Benson. Following Mickey & Sylvia's big hit "Love Is Strange" in 1957, Groove was deactivated and its remaining artists switched over to RCA's Vik subsidiary.
In 1961, Groove was revived with more of a country music bent, and some pop acts. Artists who recorded for the later incarnation of Groove included Sonny James, Justin Tubb, Marty Paich, Johnny Nash, Jack Scott, Johnnie Ray, Skip Battin (of Skip & Flip fame), and Charlie Rich. This version of the label lasted until 1965.
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