The Soul Of Atlantic

Welcome to the second in a short series of programmes where we look at the music of four of the most influential soul music labels of the twentieth century. Atlantic Records began its operations in the late forties building up a reputation as one of the market's leading labels in the jazz, R&B and soul music markets. Their early signings included Big Joe Turner, Professor Longhair, The Clovers and Sarah Vaughan. As the fifties progressed, Ray Charles, Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters were added to their roster followed by Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke and many others. The seventies saw The Detroit Spinners, Chic and Sister Sledge becoming big money earners for the company. In 2007, Atlantic celebrated its sixtieth anniversary year and is still a very active record label today. Like Stax, Decca used to issue the Atlantic records through their London label but in 1964, although they remained with Decca, insisted on having their own imprint. In 1966 they left Decca for Polydor for pressing and distribution until 1972 when they partnered with Warners where they remain to this day.

Tony Blackburn looks at the soul music label Atlantic.