Prelude Records (record label)
Prelude Records was a New York-based independent record label that was active from 1976 to 1986. At one time, François Kevorkian held an A&R position at Prelude.[1] The label's owner was Marvin Schlachter.[2]
| Prelude Records | |
|---|---|
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| Parent company | Unidisc |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Founder | Marvin Schlachter |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Status | Defunct |
| Genre | Funk, boogie, dance, disco |
| Country of origin | U.S. |
| Location | New York City |
History
Prelude was first launched in 1976, renamed from Pye International Records, a US division of UK-based Pye Records which had begun in 1974.[2] The name was derived from the music group Prelude, which recorded for Pye at the time. At the outset, Prelude's LP and 45 catalogue numbers were the same as had begun under Pye (US), with the prefix changed from PYE- to PRL-. For a very short period at the start, Pye's then-parent, ATV Music, owned Prelude.
It first made its small release with a large name called JUMBO, which spawned a minor hit with "Turn On To Love".
As disco music declined, Prelude was one of the few disco labels to survive its demise.[3] In 1981 they pioneered the mastermix. with Shep Pettibone's "Kiss Mastermix 2x12". Having recruited Kevorkian, the label was able to focus on remixes; to change up an existing song by altering it slightly.[4] "Disco Circus" by Martin Circus (1979) was and still is a cult classic, but failed to make significant sales according to Michael Gomes who began working for Prelude in 1979.[1]
Prelude's biggest hits included "In the Bush" by Musique (1978), "Come to Me" by France Joli (1979), "A Little Bit of Jazz" by the Nick Straker Band and "Must Be the Music" by Secret Weapon (1981).
After its closure in 1986, Prelude's back catalogue was purchased by Unidisc.
Artists
- Gayle Adams
- Jocelyn Brown
- D-Train
- Inner Life
- France Joli
- Lorraine Johnson (1977,78)
- Empress
- Hi-Gloss
- Dorothy Moore (1985)
- Musique
- CD III
- Nick Straker Band
- Peter Jacques Band
- Sharon Redd
- Unique
- L.A.X.
- Jeanette "Lady" Day
- Saturday Night Band
- The Strikers
- Secret Weapon
- Vicki Sue Robinson
- Theo Vaness
- Macho
- Unlimited Touch
- Wuf Ticket
References
- Tim Lawrence (2003). Love Saves the Day: A History of American Dance Music Culture, 1970–1979. Duke University Press. pp. 369–. ISBN 0-8223-3198-5.
- Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (1977-02-05). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 7–. ISSN 0006-2510.
- Chuck Miller (2011-02-28). Warman's American Records. Krause Publications. pp. 83–. ISBN 1-4402-2821-3.
- Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (2002-01-26). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 33–. ISSN 0006-2510.