Historical Data
Untouchable Records is the brainchild of Genghis Khalid Muhammad. (GKM) GKM conceived the idea for Untouchable Records (UR) at the age of 11 years old, in 1959. The influence for the name of the record company/label came from the TV Series which first aired on October 15, 1959; “The Untouchables.”
At this age Genghis Khalid Muhammad had the ardent ambition to establish the first black independent record company/label in America. But, it was unknown to him then, that there were black record companies/labels and black entrepreneurs struggling against all odds of Racism & Jim Crow to establish a legitimate record company/label that would duly earn exposure and recognition within the world of music.
“Black Swan” Records/Label is not widespread in the black communities or the American population, because it is not universally publicized. Yet, it is very significant black history and American history. “Black Swan” Record Company was the first black owned and operated, black record/label company known in America. The “Black Swan” Records was founded by Harry H. Pace, March 1921, in Harlem, New York. Mr. Harry Herbert Pace was a prominent successful black business man. “Black Swan” was named in honor of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, (1809 – 1896) an international black opera singer, who was dubbed: “The Black Swan.” Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, a civil rights activist and primary co – founder of the “N. A. A. C. P;” was one of the Board of Directors of the Pace Phonographic Corporation, established by Harry Herbert Pace, owner of “Black Swan” Records. The legendary Ethel Waters was a contracted artist of the “Black Swan” Records. Celebrities of that time, like: Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake & Louis Armstrong, among others, were known to affiliate with “Black Swan.” “Black Swan” Records folded in December 1923, and was sold in 1924, due to the tide of Racism & Jim Crow in America. Harry H. Pace, founder of the “Black Swan” Record Company was the first to revolutionize the Industry (Recording Broadcasting Industry/Music Industry/Entertainment Industry/Movie Industry) and set the “pace” for black people in America, subsequently, the world.
When Jack Lauderdale first put his Record Company on the map in 1947, it was called: “Down Beat Records.” Then in 1949, he renamed the company to “Swing Beat Records,” and finally in 1950, he settled with the title of “Swing Time Records,” headquartered in Los Angeles, California. “Swing Time Records” was the first record company/label that Ray Charles signed up with before signing up with “Atlantic Records,” then venturing out to major record companies. In 1953, “Swing Time Records” went bankrupt; but continued releasing singles until 1954. Mr. Jack Lauderdale was another blackman with the burning desire to spotlight gifted black artist & black musicians onto the world stage of music entertainment in America.
Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson opened the doors of “Atlantic Records” in October 1947, granting the opportunity to black musicians & artists to showcase their professional talents to the American population and subsequently the world.
“Chess Records” was incorporated in 1950 by the Chess brothers: Leonard Chess and Phil Chess. Consequently, a platform for star power was created for black artists & musicians in the entertainment arena.
Henry “Juggy” Murry established “Sue Records” in New York City, 1957. The famous “Ike & Tina Turner,” as well as other well known accomplished black artist were featured on this label.
A blackman by the name of Al Bell co-founded the record company/label: “Stax Records,” along with Jim Stewert and Estelle Axton, in 1957. Another avenue extended to black artists & musicians to express their gifted musical skills in the broadcasting and entertainment circles.
January 12, 1959, a revolution exploded on the scene of the music industry, it was “MOTOWN.” The renowned Barry Gordy promulgated the “Motown” record company in 1959 and a new era of music was born. It was called the “Motown Sound.” The great mogul Barry Gordy opened the gates for black artists & musicians to excel as megastars in the music empire and the global community. “Motown” became a model and aspiration throughout the diaspora of black America. Motown crossed the color lines and broke many of the racial barriers in the music world. “Motown” was known as the “Hit Making Machine.” The “Motown” trademark of smashing beats, “The Funk Brothers,” are featured icons in the DVD Documentary: “Standing In The Shadows Of Motown.” “Motown” The NYC Musical Broadway play, touring America is the portrayal of Barry Gordy and the “Motown Sound.”
“Scepter Records” was founded in 1959, by Florence Greenberg. “Scepter Records” and its subsidiary: “Wand Records” launched the careers of many black artists & black musicians. “Scepter Records” is one of the first labels to release 12″ inch singles for the disco market. The Broadway Play: “Baby Its You,” is the musical biography of Florence Greenberg and “Scepter Records.”
Record companies were known to have subsidiary labels and to finance other record companies. And still practice this policy up to date.
Phil Spector and Lester Sill are the founders of “Philles Records” also known as “PR.” From 1961 through 1967 “Philles Records” were hitting the charts with accomplished black artists. Another record company that gave black artists & black musicians a chance to utilize their artistic crafts in the music industry. Phil Spector is credited with developing the “wall of sound” in musical compositions.
Curtis Mayfield started “Curtom Records” in 1968. During the 1970’s Curtis Mayfield worked with “Okeh Records” as a producer. Curtis Mayfield set the trend for black songwriters, artists & musicians, in making Soundtracks for movies. Curtis Mayfield produced his first Soundtrack for the blaxploitation movie: “Superfly,”” with Gordon Parks & Sig Shore. The movie “Superfly” was released in July 1972. Curtis Mayfield began his career when he was 16 years old. He teamed up with his friend Jerry Butler and they formed the group the “Roosters.” Later they became the “Impressions” and made their first hit song: “For Your Precious Love,” in 1958, in which Jerry Butler sang the lead. After this, Jerry Butler went solo. Curtis Mayfield excelled in the group and became the lead singer; “The Impressions” made their second hit song: “Gypsy Woman,” in 1961, absent Jerry Butler. Curtis Mayfield eventually left “The Impressions” and went on his own. Curtis Mayfield was consciously aware of the racial problems and white supremacy, and his music reflected that. After his tragic accident in Brooklyn, New York; his last song (or album) “New World Order” was produced in 1995. His song released in November 1970, “If There’s A Hell Below….” shook America, and the radio stations refused to give it proper air play.
It would be remiss not to give honourable mention to the amazing Mahalia Jackson, “The Queen of Gospel.” Mahalia Jackson was a spiritual, moral human being. She refused to sing any other songs except gospel and would not sign a contract to sing any other type of songs. She was dedicated to her religious beliefs. When Mahalia Jackson’s vocals moved, she touched hearts and brought many to tears. She literally could shatter many glasses with the vibrations of her voice. She was UNTOUCHABLE! Throughout the course of her career from 1927 thru 1971, she recorded over 30 Albums in her lifetime. In the movie: “The Imitation Of Life,” she was highlighted singing in the highly emotional sentimental near ending scene, which demonstrated the daughter’s remorseful repentance of her mother’s death. And even till this day, if you watch that movie it will bring you to tears to hear Mahalia Jackson singing in that scene. Mahalia Jackson recorded for Decca Coral Records, Apollo Records and Columbia Records. Mahalia Jackson never sold her soul to “The Industry,” she was true to faith. Mahalia Jackson was absolutely magnificent. Mahalia Jackson was born October 26, 1911 and deceased January 27, 1972. May the good Lord bless her soul and have mercy on her soul.
(TO BE CONTINUED:)
