Radar Records (U.S. label)

Radar Records was a small independent New York City-based dance/garage label best known for Gary's Gang, Toney Lee, and various underground acts.

Radar Records
Founded1982 (1982)
FounderJoe Tucci
StatusDefunct (merged with Unidisc Music)
GenreGarage house, post-disco
Country of originU.S.
LocationRichmond Hill, Queens, New York

History

edit

Foundation

edit

It was formed and operated by Eric Matthew (real name Joe Tucci)[1] around 1982.[2][3]

Structure

edit

First record issued by Radar Records was possibly "Knock Me Out" by Gary's Gang, following by the post-disco number "Reach Up" by Toney Lee. Label creation was mentioned on the March 1983 issue of Billboard magazine.[2]

The label includes (sorted by chart success)[3][4][5][6]

  • Toney Lee, who recorded "Reach Up" (Club #10, UK Pop #64)
  • Gary's Gang, who recorded various dance hits like "Runaway", "Makin' Music" (Club #8) and "Knock Me Out" (Club #25).
  • Fast Radio, who recorded "Under My Thumb" (Club #47)
  • Status IV, who recorded "You Ain't Really Down" (Club #48)
  • Barbara Fowler of Sinnamon, who recorded "Come And Get My Lovin'".

Radar Records was, after a couple of club hits, acquired by a Canada-based record company Unidisc Music. They also bought out other New York independent labels such as Prelude Records.

Selected discography

edit
Year Catalog Composition Artist Notes
1982 RDR-12000 "Knock Me Out" Gary's Gang
1982 RDR-12001 "Reach Up" Toney Lee
1982 RDR-12002 "Under My Thumb" Fast Radio
1983 RDR-12003 "You Ain't Really Down" Status IV
1983 RDR-12004 "Love So Deep" Toney Lee
1983 RDR-12005 "Makin' Music" Gary's Gang
1983 RDR-12006 "The Break"/"Breaker" Richie Scotti
1983 RDR-12007 "I'm Out Of Your Life" Arnie's Love
1983 RDR-12010 "Lovin' You" Status IV
1983 RDR-12011 "Bomb Comes Down" Serious Word + One
1983 RDR-12016 "Come And Get My Lovin'" Barbara Fowler

References

edit
  1. ^ Frank Broughton, Bill Brewster (2011). The Record Players: DJ Revolutionaries. Black Cat, 2011. p. 121. ISBN 0-8021-7089-7.
  2. ^ a b "New Companies)". Billboard. 95: 61. Mar 5, 1983.
  3. ^ a b Blues & soul, Issues 412-413; Issue 415; Issues 419-420; Issue 422. Napfield Ltd., 1984, (originally) the University of Virginia. 1984. p. 30. ISBN 0-8021-7089-7.
  4. ^ "'Reach Up' at The Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  5. ^ "Gary's Gang - Singles". Allmusic, Billboard. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  6. ^ "The Best of Radar Records - VA". Allmusic, Billboard. Retrieved 2011-08-22.