Gotham Records

Gotham Records was an American record label formed by Sam Goode (Goody) and Ivin Ballen in New York City in 1946.[1] In January 1948 Ballen acquired the interest of Goode and became the sole owner. He then moved the company to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the label was based for the rest of its existence until 1956. The label specialized in rhythm and blues. Ivin Ballen died in Miami Beach, Florida, in February 1978.[2]

Artists
Dan Pickett

Gotham's most notable contribution to American music was the release of recordings by the acoustic bluesman Dan Pickett, originally recorded in 1949.[3]

Doug Quattlebaum

Another artist who recorded for Gotham included Doug Quattlebaum.[4] His song "Lizzie Lou" was one of the last releases for the label.[5]

Doris Browne, The Capris

Doris Browne was a singer who around the 1949/1950 period had performed on a weekly show which was broadcast by WPEN-AM in Philadelphia. The hour long show was called the Parisian Tailor Kiddie Hour.[6] In 1953, the label appeared to be keen to push Browne's profile with her single "Please Believe Me" b/w "Oh, Baby!".[7][8] She was backed by Doc Bagby on that recording.[9] He also backed her on her single, "Until The End Of Time" b/w "Why Don't You Love Me Now, Now, Now?" (Gotham G-296), and another recording "The Game Of Love" b/w "My Cherie" which was released on Gotham G-298 as a 45rpm single.[10] The single, "Until The End Of Time"/"Why Don't You Love Me Now", originally credited to Doris Browne, Doc Bagby Orchestra,[6] was re-released on Collectables Records, but this time credited to Doris Browne & The Capris.[11] Gotham records also had a Capris group of their own which would release their debut single "God Only Knows" b/w "That's What You're Doing To Me", (Gotham 304) in 1954. They also had two other singles released. They were "It Was Moonglow" b/w "Too Poor To Love" (Gotham 306), and "It's A Miracle" b/w "Let's Linger A While" (Gotham 308).[12]

Santa Monica-based label

A same-named label is available in Santa Monica. It was founded by Patrick Arn in New York City in 1994. The label specializes in newcomer rock bands. Some of the older bands who signed at this Gotham Records signed later at Columbia Records (for example: Flybanger) or to Lava Records (Liquid Gang). The Loose Nutz produced their first Gold Record Wishen at Gotham Records.

Background

In 2013, the label was releasing 8 LPs and 8 CDs a year. Its distribution was being handled by Sony RED.[13]

Artists

Around 2007, it was announced in punknews.org that Red Horizon had signed to the label and recently released their album Across the World.[14]

Bands and artists currently signed at Gotham Records
  • Red Horizon
  • Supafuzz
  • The day after...
Bands who were signed at Gotham Records
  • Flybanger
  • Fear The Clown
  • Liquid Gang
  • Chiba-Ken

References
  1. Marion, JC. E-zine Archived 2009-10-28 at the Wayback Machine Issue #8, The Magnificent Failures "Gotham Records – A Philadelphia Story", 1999
  2. "Ivin Ballen". Oxfordindex.oup.com. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  3. Jim O'Neal. "Dan Pickett | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-10-13.
  4. Bob L. Eagle; Eric S. LeBlanc (1 May 2013). Blues: A Regional Experience. ABC-CLIO. pp. 128–. ISBN 978-0-313-34424-4.
  5. Red River Blues: The Blues Tradition in the Southeast, By Bruce Bastin - Page 319 Philadelphia
  6. Vocal Group Harmony - Spotlight on the Gotham Label – Part One
  7. Billboard, April 18, 1953 - Page 46 Music, we are not embarrassed!
  8. Billboard - Page 40 It's A Gotham Year! It's Climbing, Doris Browne's Please Believe Me /w Oh Baby!
  9. Billboard, March 28, 1953 - Page 44 Rhythm & Blues
  10. 45Cat - Doris Browne - Discography
  11. Discogs - Doris Browne And The Capris – Until The End Of Time / Why Don't You Love Me Now, Now, Now?
  12. Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 51 Capris Discography
  13. 2013 Songwriter's Market, Edited by Roseann Biederman - Page 178 GOTHAM RECORDS
  14. punknews.org - Red Horizon sign to Gotham Records
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