Episode #120 - The Parrot Records Story
From: Matt "The Cat" Baldassarri
Series: Juke In The Back With Matt The Cat
Length: 59:02
Parrot Records
The entire "Juke In The Back" focuses on a tiny Chicago R&B record label with a big sound; Parrot Records. The label was started by Chicago DJ Al Benson in late 1952 and it closed its doors in 1956. During its period of operation, Parrot recorded some smokin' R&B and smooth vocal group sounds from Willie Mabon and J.B. Lenoir to The Flamingos and the 5 Thrills. Matt The Cat highlights both the hits and misses and bring you the story behind the story on this often forgotten R&B label on this week's "Juke In The Back."
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Related Pieces
Piece Description
Parrot Records
The entire "Juke In The Back" focuses on a tiny Chicago R&B record label with a big sound; Parrot Records. The label was started by Chicago DJ Al Benson in late 1952 and it closed its doors in 1956. During its period of operation, Parrot recorded some smokin' R&B and smooth vocal group sounds from Willie Mabon and J.B. Lenoir to The Flamingos and the 5 Thrills. Matt The Cat highlights both the hits and misses and bring you the story behind the story on this often forgotten R&B label on this week's "Juke In The Back."
Broadcast History
"Juke In The Back" airs on over 23 radio stations each week in the US and is now carried worldwide over Voice Of America's Music Mix Network.
Transcript
Juke In The Back #120 - Playlist
1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. I Don’t Know – Willie Mabon & His Combo – Parrot 1952
3. Weep, Weep, Weep – The Parrots – Parrot 1953
4. Mr. Fine – Mabel Scott – Parrot 1953
5. I Can’t Forget – The Rockettes – Parrot 1953
6. I’ve Been Mistreated – Lowell Fulson & Orch. – Parrot 1953
7. Salty Dog – Marvin Phillips – Parrot 1953
8. White Cliffs Of Dover – The Pelicans – Parrot 1954
9. My Baby’s Gone – The 5 Thrills – Parrot 1954
10. Be On Your Merry Way – Albert King – Parrot 1954
11. Gloria – The 5 Thrills – Parrot 1954
12. Eisenhower Blues – J.B. Lenoir – Parrot 1954
13. GREAT 78 – Slow Down – Lou Mac – Blue Lake 1955
14. Dream Of A Lifetime – The Flamingos – Parrot 1954
15. Ko Ko Mo – The Flamingos – Parrot 1955
16. Mama, Talk To You Daughter – J. B. Lenoir – Parrot 1955
17. Don’t Give My Love Away – The Fascinators –...
Read the full transcript
Intro and Outro
INTRO:Matt The Cat features the history of one of Chicago's most underrated R&B record labels, Parrot Records.
OUTRO:For more information on Parrot Records and a complete playlist of the music you heard on today's show, visit www.jukeintheback.org.
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