Exclusive Records
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Exclusive Records was established by Leon René in Los Angeles[1] in 1944 and ceased operations in January 1950.[2] Buddy Baker was the music director. The label's roster included music by Lucky Thompson,[1] the Basin Street Boys, the Ceele Burke Orchestra, Edgar Hayes & His Stardusters, Herb Jeffries, Rickey Jordan, Jack McVea & His Orchestra, Mabel Scott, Frantic Fay Thomas,[3] Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers,[4] and Johnny Moore's Three Blazers with Charles Brown.[5]
Leon René and his brother Otis René, who owned Excelsior Records,[1] purchased a shellac record pressing plant, but when the format changed from 78 rpm to 45 rpm, their old equipment could not press the new smaller vinyl discs, and both labels went out of business.[citation needed]
In 1951, Leon René started up Class Records with his son, musician Googie René. They formed Rendezvous Records with new partners in 1958.
