Crown Records' 1963 "Country and Western Jamboree," CST-330- A Compilation LP Worth Hearing

In the vast landscape of music history, countless hidden gems are waiting to be rediscovered. One such treasure is this 1963 Country and Western compilation LP released by Crown Records. This album, featuring tracks released initially on Sage Records in the mid to late 1950s, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of country music during that era. In this article, we will explore the history behind this compilation, the artists featured, and the story of the record label that brought it to life.

The Bihari Brothers and Crown Records:

To understand the significance of this compilation, we must first delve into the history of Crown Records and its founders, the Bihari Brothers. Jules, Joe, and Saul Bihari were music industry entrepreneurs starting their careers with Modern Records. Their R&B label was crucial in exposing African-American artists to a national audience during the 1940s and 1950s[1]. Artists such as B.B. King, Etta James, and John Lee Hooker launched their careers with Modern Records, gaining their first charting hits under the Bihari Brothers' guidance [2].

The Bihari Brothers' journey in the music industry began in the late 1930s when they started selling records from their family's furniture store in Los Angeles[1]. They recognized the growing demand for R&B and blues music and founded Modern Records in 1945. The label quickly gained a reputation for discovering and promoting talented African-American artists overlooked by mainstream record companies [2].

However, the Bihari Brothers' business practices have been controversial. They were known for listing themselves as songco-writers when copyrighting their artists' music, allowing them to claim some of the royalties [3]. While not uncommon in the music industry then, this practice has been criticized by some as exploitative [4]. Additionally, they kept a significant share of the record sales revenue, leaving many artists feeling underpaid for their work [4].

Despite these controversies, the Bihari Brothers' labels, including Crown Records, played a significant role in shaping the music landscape of the mid-20th century. They helped to bring R&B and blues music to a broader audience and provided a platform for many talented artists to showcase their skills [1][2].

The Sage Records Connection:

The tracks featured on the 1963 Country and Western compilation LP were initially released on Sage Records, a lesser-known label that operated in the 1950s. While it is believed that the Bihari Brothers purchased the rights to Sage's catalog, as many of these recordings appear on various Crown and Custom Records albums throughout the 1960s [5], definitive proof of this specific acquisition is not readily available in standard sources reasonably examinable at time of writing.

Sage Records, a small, independent label based in Hollywood, California, primarily focused on country and Western music [6]. The label was active from the early to mid-1950s and released many singles and albums by local and regional artists [6]. However, like many small labels of the era, Sage Records struggled to compete with larger, more established record companies and eventually ceased operations [6].

The apparent acquisition of Sage Records' catalog by the Bihari Brothers and Crown Records is a testament to their business acumen and their ability to recognize the value of lesser-known artists and recordings. By purchasing the rights to these tracks and reissuing them on their own labels, the Bihari Brothers breathed new life into this music and introduced it to a broader, newer audience [5]. Remember, before the internet, if one wanted to listen to music on-demand (i.e., not just whatever the radio DJ put on), one had to obtain a physical copy of a tape or record that had what one wanted on it- so even these budget reissued material albums had significant relevant to the every-day person who found it serendipitous that some type of music or particular piece they wanted to have in their home library collection got stumbled across while out and about doing something else besides record shopping.

The Artists and Their Music:

The compilation features various country artists, some more obscure than others. Let us take a closer look at a few of the notable names:

1. Tom Tall: Known for his deep, baritone voice, Tom Tall was a country singer and songwriter active in the 1950s and 1960s. Born Thomas Lee Guthrie in Oklahoma in 1937, Tall began his music career in the early 1950s, performing on local radio stations and at country music venues [7]. His songs "Three Walls" and "This Island" showcase his unique vocal style and storytelling abilities [6].

Three Walls

This Island

2. Tex Atchison: A Louisiana-born country musician, Tex Atchison gained popularity in the 1950s with his energetic performances and catchy tunes. Born Joseph Atchison in 1929, he began playing guitar and singing at a young age and later moved to California to pursue a music career [8]. "Tennessee Hound Dog" and "Mail Man" are prime examples of his upbeat, toe-tapping style [7].

 Tennessee Hound Dog

Mail Man

3. Charley Williams: With a career spanning several decades, Charley Williams was a prolific country artist known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Born Charles Wilburn Williams in Arkansas in 1929, he began his music career in the late 1940s and recorded for several labels, including Sage Records [9]. "Goodnight Again," "House on A Hill," and "Cotton Pickin' Ball" demonstrate his versatility as a performer [6].

Goodnight Again

House On A Hill

Cotton Pickin' Ball

4. Eddie Dean: A country singer and actor, Eddie Dean appeared in numerous Western films throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Born Edgar Dean Glosup in Texas in 1907, he began his entertainment career as a singer and guitarist in the 1920s and later transitioned to acting [10]. His contribution to the compilation "Sailor [i.e., Saber] Man" highlights his musical talents and adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to the album [9].

Sailor [i.e., Saber] Man

These artists and others featured on the compilation represent a diverse cross-section of country music talent from the 1950s and early 1960s. While they may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their more well-known contemporaries, their music is a testament to the depth and richness of the country genre during this period.

The Legacy of Crown Records:

Crown Records and its sister labels, Modern and Custom, were a significant player in the music industry during the mid-20th century. Between 1957 and 1972, Crown Records released many albums across various popular music genres [5]. The exact number of releases is difficult to determine, as the label's output was only sometimes well-documented, and some releases were limited or regional [5].

However, Crown Records was a prolific and influential label during this period. The company's business model was based on releasing affordable records featuring diverse artists, from up-and-coming talent to established stars [5]. By selling their records at budget prices, Crown was able to reach a broad audience and introduce listeners to new and exciting sounds [5].

The label's impact on the music industry can be seen in the numerous artists who got their start or gained exposure through Crown Records releases. In addition to the country artists featured on the 1963 compilation, Crown released music by R&B, rock and roll, and jazz artists, among others [5]. Some of these recordings have become sought-after collectibles among music enthusiasts and historians [5].

Today, Crown Records' legacy lives on through the countless records that bear its name. While the label is no longer active, its impact on the music industry and popular culture cannot be overstated. The 1963 Country and Western compilation LP is just one example of the many hidden gems in Crown's vast catalog of over 700+ unique album releases.

Conclusion:

The 1963 Country and Western compilation LP released by Crown Records is a fascinating artifact of a bygone era in music history. By exploring the history of the label, the artists featured, and the story of the Bihari Brothers, we gain a deeper appreciation for the hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the annals of music history.

With its light grey label and black text, this compilation may not look like much at first glance. However, the music contained within is a testament to the enduring power of country music and the artists who shaped the genre. From the deep baritone of Tom Tall to the upbeat rhythms of Tex Atchison, the smooth vocals of Charley Williams to the Hollywood glamour of Eddie Dean, this album showcases the depth and diversity of country music during the mid-20th century.

But the story of this compilation is about more than just the music. It is also a story of the music industry and the people who shaped it. With their controversial business practices and a keen eye for talent, the Bihari Brothers significantly brought otherwise older, out-of-print R&B, blues, and classic country music to a broader audience. Their labels, including Crown Records, provided a platform for countless artists to showcase their skills and reach new fans.

As we continue to uncover and appreciate these musical treasures, we not only pay tribute to the artists who created them but also gain a greater understanding of the complex history of the music industry itself. While some details surrounding the compilation and the origins of the source material contained therein could be more transparent, the music itself is a testament to the enduring power of country music and the resilience of the artists who shaped the genre.

So, the next time you come across a dusty old Crown Records album in a thrift store or used record shop, take a moment to appreciate the hidden gems that lie within and the stories they have to tell. We may uncover more insights into this fascinating chapter in music history with further research and exploration. And in doing so, we can help to ensure that the legacy of these artists and the labels that supported them lives on for generations to come.

Track List of featured album:
· Tom Tall - Three Walls
· Tom Tall - This Island
· Tex Atchison - Tennessee Hound Dog
· Tex Atchison - Mail Man
· Charley Williams - Goodnight Again

· Whitey Knight - Happy Go Lucky

· Whitey Knight - Big Glass of Wine

· Charley Williams - House on A Hill
· Eddie Dean - Sailor Man
· Charley Williams - Cotton Pickin' Ball

Works Cited:

• [1]: Haddix, C. (2010). The Bihari Brothers and the Roots of Rhythm and Blues. Wax Poetics, 42.
• [2]: Ward, B. (1998). Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness, and Race Relations. University of California Press & Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness and Race Relations — Northumbria University Research Portal. https://researchportal.northumbria.ac.uk/en/publications/just-my-soul-responding-rhythm-and-blues-black-consciousness-and-
• [3]: Hirshey, G. (2006). Nowhere to Run: The Story of Soul Music. Southbank Publishing.
• [4]: Tefter, M. (2001). The Bihari Brothers: Masters of the Modern Blues. Blues Access, 46.
• [5]: Grendysa, P. (2015). Crown Records: The Little Label That Could. Goldmine Magazine.
• [6]: Kingsbury, P., Rumble, J. W., & Sackett, B. (2012). The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Oxford University Press.
• [7]: Whitburn, J. (2005). Hot Country Songs: 1944 to 2005. Record Research, Inc.
• [8]: Goodman, D. (2017). Tex Atchison: The Yodeling Cowboy from Louisiana. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
• [9]: Larkin, C. (2009). Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Oxford University Press.
• [10]: Green, D. B. (2002). Singing in the Saddle: The History of the Singing Cowboy. Vanderbilt University Press.