Format Details: Double CD Jewel Case
Description
There were two entirely different US indie record companies named Dial, both most often remembered for one major artist apiece. The first, owned by Ross Russell, operated from 1945 to the early 50s, initially out of Los Angeles, latterly New York City, and is renowned for its recordings of the colossus of bebop sax artistry, Charlie Parker, who Russell managed for a while. The second, owned by William Buddy" Killen, operated between 1961 to the early 80s from Nashville and is most famous for its recordings of one of the most original and successful southern soul singers of the era, Joe Tex. Killen was Tex's mentor from the early chitlin' circuit days and on to international stardom. The subject of this 51-track double CD, authoritatively annotated and compiled by John Broven and John Ridley is Buddy Killen's Dial Records. Originally from Florence, Alabama, Killen migrated to Nashville via his involvement as an upright bass player with assorted country acts and the magnet of Grand Ole Opry radio broadcasts. Once settled in the city he joined the fledgling Tree Publishing company, cementing his and the company's future by signing the rights to Mae Boren Axton's song Heartbreak Hotel, about to be recorded by some up'n'coming local tearaway named Elvis Presley. With Killen's far-sighted guidance Tree became a hit-loaded concern, eventually snapped up by Sony for a modest 40 million dollars in 1989. In the interim Buddy also ran his Dial record company, launched in 1961 to promote his publishing interests and specifically to showcase Joe Tex's talents as a performer and songwriter. It wasn't all grits'n'gravy. Buddy's Dial recordings were marketed variously by London (1961-64), Atlantic (1965-70), Mercury (1971-76), CBS (1977-78), TK (1978-79) and final splutters via Polydor and Handshake. Out of all these associations it was only really Joe Tex who bounced successfully through the changes. Joe was already a seasoned performer, witty songwriter and vibrant personality when Buddy signed him. There was also a bundle of other R&B/soul talent recorded by Killen's Dial operation, whose lack of hits belies the quality of their recordings. Maybe these artists weren't as all-round exceptionally talented as Joe. Perhaps they weren't as smartly managed or strongly promoted. But they sure 'nuff cut some very fine recordings. Ace Records already has four Joe Tex CD compilations in catalogue, and the DIAL RECORDS SOUTHERN SOUL STORY avoids duplication as far as possible. Of course it could not be truly representative without the inclusion of Joe's biggest hits, while also presenting four of his lesser known, previously un-reissued early Dial recordings. Especially interesting for those with long and eclectic memories is Joe's original recording of I Wanna Be Free, covered in Britain by The VIPs. Alongside there is Bobby Marchan (eight tracks), former lead singer with Huey "Piano" Smith's Clowns, whose Get Down With It, included here, was later slamm
Tracklisting
Z.Z. Hill
Wilson Pickett
Willie Bollinger / Willie Walker
William Bell
William Bell
Wee Willie Walker
Warren Raye & The Infernal Blues Machine
Walter Jackson
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
Various Artists
