Claridge Records was an American independent record label, owned by Frank Slay.[1]

Claridge Records
Founded1965 (First incarnation)
1974 (Second incarnation)
FounderFrank Slay
Dennis Ganim
Defunct1967 (First incarnation)
1978 (Second incarnation)
Distributor(s)Self-distributed
GenreVarious
Country of originUnited States

History

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Claridge Records was started in 1965 by Frank Slay and Dennis Ganim as a division of River Bottom Enterprises. At that time, it was based in New York. The Rockin' Ramrods were the first band that signed a recording contract with the new company in 1965. "Don't Fool with Fu Manchu" was issued in October, 1965, but was unsuccessful.[2] Claridge Records released 19 singles but, due to lack of success, closed down in 1967.

In 1974, the label was revived in Los Angeles.[3] One of its signings, Sugarloaf, had a Billboard Hot 100 hit that peaked at number nine with "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You", in 1975. Other artists were Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis.[4]

In 1976, the company changed its focus from rock to disco, this time releasing 37 singles, three albums, and a few 12" disco singles. It closed down again in 1978. In 1980, the company was sold to MPL Communications.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Claridge Album Discography". Both Sides Now Publications. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  2. ^ "Ganim and Slay Get Into Swing". Billboard. Vol. 77, no. 40. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. October 2, 1965. p. 20. Retrieved December 17, 2018 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "Executive Turntable". Billboard. Vol. 86, no. 46. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. November 16, 1974. p. 4. Retrieved December 17, 2018 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ "Green Eyed Lady". Overfitting Disco. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  5. ^ "Claridge Records". Rate Your Music. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
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