Air Week: April 24-30, 2023
Fortune Records
Matt The Cat and the “Juke In The Back” feature Fortune Records, another small, independent record label that made a sizable contribution to Rhythm & Blues and early Rock n’ Roll. Fortune was a Detroit original, started in late 1946, it paved the way for future greatness. We’ll dig on some of their early releases, before jumping into their biggest star, Andre Williams. Originally from Alabama, Williams packed each single with grit, soul and a touch of weirdness that makes nearly all of his releases remain fresh-sounding today. Williams scored a national top 10 R&B record in 1956-57 with “Bacon Fat.” It was so big, that Fortune Records licensed it to Epic Records for national distribution. A portion of this week’s program is also dedicated to Nolan Strong & The Diablos, one of the smoothest and soulful of the ’50s doo wop vocal groups. Even though The Diablos never had a national hit, they are remembered today for Nolan Strong’s beautiful tenor and their original rendition of “The Wind” from 1954. So get ready to move and groove as the “Juke In The Back” jumps with Andre Williams, The Diablos and some of Fortune Records’ greatest 78 RPM sides.
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