Launched by legendary music industry executive Art Rupe in the
mid-1940s, the Los Angeles-based Specialty Records emerged as one of the
most important independent labels for African-American music in the
twentieth century. Recognizing that competing with major record
companies was a losing battle, Rupe headed to Central Avenue, the center
of L.A.'s black community, where he spent $200 on what were then known
as "race records." He carefully analyzed each, developing his own
formula for a successful venture. Soon, Specialty was scoring R&B hits
with artists such as Roy Milton, Camille Howard, Jimmy and Joe Liggins,
and Percy Mayfield. Drawn to the music of New Orleans, Rupe went on to
sign Lloyd Price, who topped the charts with "Lawdy Miss Clawdy." It was
through Price that Specialty acquired its best-known artist, Little
Richard. After "Tutti Frutti" exploded in 1955, Richard and the label
scored a string of successes with "Long Tall Sally," "Lucille," "Keep A
Knockin'," "Good Golly Miss Molly," and more. In addition to R&B and the
emerging sounds of rock 'n' roll, Rupe was particularly drawn to the
sounds of the church. Black gospel music was an essential element of his
company, with a roster that included stars of the genre, such as Sam
Cooke's Soul Stirrers, Sister Wynona Carr, Brother Joe May, Alex
Bradford and the Bradford Specials, and others. From behind-the-scenes
producers Robert "Bumps" Blackwell, J.W. Alexander, Harold Battiste, and
Sonny Bono, to R&B recording stars Floyd Dixon, Guitar Slim, Jesse
Belvin, Larry Williams, and Don and Dewey, this is the story of the
legendary Specialty Records.
