From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

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West End Records was co-founded by Mel Cheren in New York City in 1976 and published disco music. It was closely associated with the Paradise Garage and Larry Levan. Mel Cheren and Ed Kushins set up West End Records in 1976. They had met a few years earlier, when they were employed by Scepter Records. In 2002 Kevin Hedge (half of BLAZE) became Mel Cheren’s partner in West End, as well as the President of West End Records. Much of their music has been sampled for use in other dance and hip-hop tracks. The label employed musicians, mixers and remixers such as Larry Levan, Arthur Russell, Walter Gibbons, Tee Scott and Nick Martinelli.

They released such hits as:

• Karen Young - “Hot Shot” (1978)
• Loose Joints - “Is It All Over My Face” (1980)
• Taana Gardner - “Heartbeat” (1981)
• The New York Citi Peech Boys - “Don't Make Me Wait” (1982)
• Barbara Mason - “Another Man” (1983)

Other notable tracks include

• Inez Brooks Chillin' Out(1981)
• Ednah Holt - 'Serious, Sirious Space Party (1981)
• Taana Gardner - Work That Body (1979)
• Taana Gardner 'When You Touch Me' 1979
• Debbie Trusty - Searchin' For Some Lovin'/1982
• Raw Silk 'Do It To The Music' (1982)
• Brenda Taylor 'You Can't Have Your Cake And Eat It Too' (1982)

See also

• Prelude Records
• Salsoul Records