- PLP 1950 -
Bill Justis - Cloud 9
Far Out Tunes by Bill Justis and His Orchestra ...with that Raunchy Sound (August 1960)

'Raunchy' is an instrumental rock and roll number that created a storm of enthusiasm on the part of the record-buying public and led to a revolution in the singles record market. Behind all this noise and excitement was a mild, good-natured music arranger who steadily, but quietly, had worked out his debut record with the experimental zeal of a scientist.

Bill Justis is the arranger, and he's also the sax player heard on 'Raunchy' and most of the other sides in this LP. When he decided to look into the record business as an adjunct to his career as an arranger and bandmaster, Bill became acuainted with Sam Phillips, president of the famous pioneer independet label, Sun Records, and they came to a mutually favorable agreement: Bill Justis would try to come up with something really different for Phillips to release as the first record on his new Phillips International label.

Here began months of grueling work for Bill. He decided first of all that he'd cut an instrumental, despite the fact that the public had been totally disinterested in recorded instrumentals for three or four years. He and his guitar player, Sid Manker, wrote a tune - and 'Raunchy' was thus created. Then - it was tried in all its variations before numerous college and high school audiences at the schools where Bill's band played, and from their likes and dislikes, a final arrangement was worked out.

When 'Raunchy' was released, it hopped into the Top 20 in a matter of days. It quickly climbed to the No. 1 position in every existing poll. It won top industry awards not only in the pop field, but also in the Country and Western, and Rhythm and Blues categories.

The 'Raunchy' sound combines the half-teasing, dance-inspiring, driving flavour tha is the essence of Bill Justis' music. Here on this LP the record and dance fans of America can have their own private dance band - one that is renowned the world over - playing the up-to-the-minute rhythms that make every dance party and occasion.

Original PI invoice for 25 each of Bill Justis'
and Carl Mann's LPs, shipped to Commercial
Music, St Louis, Mo on August 17 1960

- PLP 1955 -
Graham Forbes and The Trio
The Martini Set (August 1960)

We started to call this album "Drink Along with Forbes," but we decided - what the heck! Whether you want to tipple of play tiddledewinks, Graham Forbes and his Trio will please you. They play the kind of music popularized by Teddy Wilson and his musical descendents in the intime little lounges and piano bars in the large and small cities coast to coast.

Graham Forbes is featured solo on "My Romance", which he gives a tender, sighing treatment, on "Autumn in New York" and other sides. He is backed upon the other numbers by Bill Halfacre, bass, and Buddy Jett, drums. There is no need to go into a song and dance about the performance of each tune. It suffices to say that Forbes and crew have gotten together ten standard favorites, that their arrangements swing, that is happy peasureable listening.

Graham Forbes, a native of Pleasantville, N. Y., has played piano since childhood. He threw over his studies at Columbia University and a job as a life insurance salesman to go to work with Bunny Berigan some twenty years ago, and he has been a professional musician ever since. During the pre-war years, he also played with Charlie Barnet and with Pee Wee Russel at Nick's, Greenwich Village. After the war, Graham joined the C.B.S. staff orchestra, which was under the direction of Mark Warnow. He also played with Ernie Holst at the Stork Club and at the Copacabana. He remined at the Copa, with Mike Durso's orchestra, several years, until a chance came to accompany Martin and Lewis on a coast-to-coast tour.

This engagement led Forbes into a new phase of his career, as an accompanist for single acts. He worked with Lisa Kirk, Gertrude Niesen, Vic Damone, Hildegarde, Julie Wilson, and other big names. For two years, Graham was accompanist for Frank Sinatra. Currently he is with Roy Hamilton.

As the leader for a combo on this album, Graham is perfectly at home, since he has led his own band for the Stork Club, has been leader for Meyer Davis bands, and was orchestra director aboard the S. S. American for six trips to Europe and for Sinatra on C.B.S.

Drummer Buddy Jett is described by the perennials around Memphis recording studios as one of the best men that ever hit town. He played on numerous recording sessions and with several local bands.

Bass man Bill Halfarce has been around the New York City scene for twenty years or so. He began his professional career with Isham Jones' band. Later he played with Raymond Scott, Hal MacIntyre, Frankie Carle, and Hugo Winterhalter. He has played in the show orchestras for such musicals as "The Boy Friend," "Where's Charley," "Can Can," and "Silk Stockings". He is presently associated with Lester Lanin orchestras as business manager, bass player, and band leader.

- Barbara Barnes

A product of Phillips International, 639 Madison Ave., Memphis, Tenn.

- PLP 1960 -
Carl Mann
Like, Mann (August 1960)

One of the younger and brighter stars of the popular recording field is Carl Mann, who is best known for his mordern, up-tempo interpretations of the old standards. His first big hit was "Mona Lisa," and the success of his style was so great that other established recording artists picked up some of his innovations in rhythm and arrangement and thereby paid Carl Mann the sincerest compliment a singer can receive.

Carl Mann's professional career began when he was 14 and just through Junior High School in Huntingdon, Tenn. He organized a band and began playing jobs around his part of West Tennessee, taking the guitar work for himself. After a year or so, his piano player left town, so Carl began playing piano. Carl was 16 when he walked into Phillips International records and auditioned his special arrangement of "Mona Lisa." In short order, the record was on the market and selling like hotcakes. Now, the Mann piano and vocal style is well known to record fans of all ages, but especially among the teen-agers who have so much in common with this youngster.

In this long playing album, Carl Mann displays his characteristic style on such oldies as "Pretend," "Wayward Wind," and "If I Ever Needed You." "South of the Border" gets a special treatment, with percussion gimmics by drummer W. S. Holland and some mean hot guitar licks by Eddie Bush. As a balladeer, Carl shines on "I Can't Forget You," "I'm Bluer Than Anyone Can Be," and "Walkin' and Thinkin'." The novelty favorite, "I Ain't Got No Home," has never been done better than Carl Mann does in this LP.

Phillips International's like - Mann will be a welcome addition to the record libraries of the many fans who know Carl Mann for his best-selling records, his personal appearance tours from coast to coast and in Canada, and for his appearances on national TV shows.

A product of Phillips International Corp., 639 Madison Ave., Memphis, Tenn. Litho in U.S.A.

- PLP 1965 -
Chuck Foster
Hotel Peabody overlooking 'Old Man River' (August 1960)

The muddy Mississsippi winds its way to the gulf, lazily flowing by Memphis, where towering bluffs look down. Year in and year out the bluffs see the barges carry away the cotton that provides the wherewithal for the good life that the Southern agricultist enjoys. Just outside Memphis is the sprawling Delta country of Mississippi and Arkansas, presided over by affluent planters who like to come up to Memphis for their holidays. The often-repeated phrase attributed to William Faulkner - "The Delta begins in the lobby of Hotel Peabody" - is no exaggeration.

The Peabody is something of an institution about these parts, and along with the Peabody one thinks of Chuck Foster. Playing his usual month's engagement around the Christmas and New Year's holidays, Chuck provides musical background for the gaiety that goes along with the festive season, which is also a time of celebrations honoring Delta debutantes. When June brings balmy days, when the cotton is planted and he Southern gentleman wants to relax and drink his bourbon and branch water, again he treks to Memphis and Hotel Peabody, and under the stars he dances to the music of Chuch Foster at the Skyway.

Chuck Foster, also, is an institution. Since 1943, he has played two lengthy engagements per year in Memphis. A veteran showman who got his start on the West Coast prior to World War II, Chuck plays smooth arrangements that are danceable and listenable. From the first strains of the theme, 'Oh You Beautiful Doll', through the end of the set, there's not a loser in this album. Chuck has played at distinguished clubs throughout the country and 'Music in the Foster Fashion' has provided the background for such glittering events as the Academy Awards Ball. Now you can make a ballroom of your own living room or patio, and join the fun-loving people throughout the country who name Chuck Foster as their favorite bandleader.

- Barbara Barnes

A product of Phillips International Records, 639 Madison, Memphis, Tennessee.
Litho in U.S.A.

Misc info: Recorded at Sam Phillps' Recording Studios, 639 Madison Ave. Memphis Tn on March 22, 1960.

- PLP 1970 -
Lonely Weekends with
Charlie Rich (August 1960)

The most frequently recurring criticism of rock and roll is that this type of music has encouraged no-talent singers who have had little to offer the public in the way of musical ability. Whether or not this generalization has any basis in fact - we can say truthfully that in the case of Charlie Rich, the statement is 100% false. Charlie is a triple-threat artist who can be taken seriously as a singer, as a pianist, and as a songwriter.

Charlie began his musical education during his childhood. Though "Rich" does not describe the financial status of Charlie's family - the new singing star was born during the depression on a farm in Arkansas - his parents were eager for him to develop his natural talent, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of seven. At age 14, he began playing piano and sax for a local dance band. He continued with the music lessons until his graduation from high school, after which he entered the Air Force.

Assigned to Special Services, Charlie played in an Air Force band and formed a vocal group which was much in demand not only for engagements on the base, but also at civilian affairs. However, the group split up, and Charlie, upon being discharged, returned to Arkansas. Though he kind of hankered for a career in show business, he listened to the advice of friends and family who urged him to be more practical and stick to something he knew about - farming.

Well - as a famer Charlie Rich turned out to be a pretty good piano player. He got some bookings in Memphis on the week-ends, and finally moved uptown enough to be heart by a talent scout for Phillips International Records. Though Charlie's medium had been primarily jazz piano with a little singing thrown in for variety, the A & R department at Phillips International suggested he try singing some rock and roll.

Charlie's first record turned out amazingly well. It was "Whirlwind" and this number was a big hit in a few scattered markets like St. Louis and Memphis. The first record to climb high in the national charts, however, was "Lonely Weekends," a tune which Charlie penned himself. Two of his other original rock an roll tunes, "Breakup" and "Rebound" were written especially for and recorded by other artists, but are sung on this album as they've never been sung before.

The originality of Charlie Rich's approach is heard on "School Days," the same old tune you sang when you were a kid - but Charlie's arrangement is so fresh that it sounds like a new song. This type of styling - an interpretation with a bluesy feel - is also noted on "Apple Blossom Time".

Charlie's feeling for the blues, in fact, is phenomenal for a white man. That low-down, earthy feeling is conveyed on "C. C. Rider" and "Juanita," and Charlie Rich's stylings stack up favorably beside the classing recordings of these numbers cut by the late Chuck Willis.

Versatility is characteristic of Rich, and if you don't believe it, listen to the tender ballad, "Stay," another of Charlie's compositions. Then, for contrast, listen to him swing out in a semi-jazz vein, with "Come Back."

Before Charlie went out on his first extensive tour of record hops and TV dance parties, we at Phillips International were a little worried about the reception he would receive. In contrast to some of the current crop of recording idols, Charlie is a man's man type. He's 6'2" and has a muscular, athletic build. He has a firm jawline, ruggedly handsome features, and black hair that is streaked with grey. You might say he's the strong, silent type, but the fact is - he's just plain shy. How were the teen-agers going to like this? We knew everything was cool when a torrent of fan mail came pouring in even before Charlie had completed the tour.

Charlie Rich has laid the foundations for a stable career through years of preparation. He has studied music thoroughly, from the standpoint of a singer and an instrumentalist, a writer and an arranger. He is no flash in the pan. In fact, he's only getting started. We predict that this LP, the first released by Phillips International's Charlie Rich, will become a collector's item as time reveals more and more of the talent of this many-faceted entertainer.

- Barbara Barnes
photo by the webbs, memphis

A product of Phillips International, 639 Madison Ave., Memphis, Tenn.

Original invoice for 25 each of Charlie Rich's and Bill
Justis' LPs and 200 'The Hawk' singles, shipped to
Music Sales in Memphis, Tn on August 23 1960

- PILP 1975 -
Frank Frost with The Night Hawks
Hey Boss Man! (1962)

Frank Frost can best be described as a truly talented artist with the real potential of becoming one of the outstanding rhythm and blues personalities to come along in the past decade.

Frank was born near Auvergne, Arkansas on a small cotton farm April 15, 1936. He is the second of seven children of T.R. and Dorthula Frost.

Frank, in the search to find his place in the world, left home to get a glimpse of the 'big world' around him and try to get ideas as to what it took to get into the music business. His love for music was natural and automatic and his ability with the guitar, piano and harp was seemingly born in him.

To work with Frank on a recording session (which professionals say is much harder than any form of show business) is to immediately recognize his great way of putting something into a tune - whether it be a rhythm tune that grabs your 'ear', or a blues song that in fact, 'grabs you'!

This album was put together to give the multitude of people that love rhythm and blues not just a few songs that are tops in their field, but to give you twelve potential hits on one great album.

On the album Frank plays the harp and one of the two guitars and does all the singing. Sam Carr, his drummer on this album, gave Frank his first job with his band in St. Louis in 1957. Jack Johnson plays the lead guitar and like Frank and Sam, he is tops with it.

Lee Bass, his manager, was the man, after plenty of work with Frank and the boys, decided they were ready to make the big jump into making records. He contacted Phillips International Records in Memphis and Frank was immediately accepted for records and signed to a long term contract. The results are obvious on every selection contained herein.

From Frank and the boys - here's hoping you like it as well as they did recording it! You can bet you're gonna be hearing a lot of this boy from Arkansas that now resides in Lula, Mississippi when not on the road plaing clubs and making personal appearances.

A product of Sam C. Phillips International Corporation, 639 Madison Avenue, Memphis Tennessee. Litographed by Carl Shorter Printing Co. Cover design: Verne Orlo Shreve

Misc info: Recorded at Sam Phillips' Recording Studios, 639 Madison Ave. Memphis Tn on April 10, 1962.

- PILP 1980 -
Eddie Bond - with the Eddie Bond Band
Sings Greatest Country Gospel Hits (1962)

We at Phillips International and Sun Records have longe since been great admirers of Eddie Bond as a country singer. Although not as active as many on records, he is no novice at making fine records. However, it was only recently that we discovered his unusual talent and gifted way with Country Gospel Music.

Eddie, as you will hear on this album, is truly one of the outstanding gospel singers in the business. His unique and easy way with the varied types of selections contained herein proves of real style and "at homeness" in this category of music.

John Hughey, who is musical director of the Eddie Bond Band, has displayed real taste in excellent backing for a perfect setting to Eddie's efforts. Also included with Eddie and John are:

• Jimmy Smith: Piano and Organ
• Gilbert Mickel: Fiddle
• Morris Tarrent: Drummer
• Toomstone Hawkins: Bass
• John Hughey: Steel

If you like this album, please look forward to a good country album to be out shortly by Eddie Bond and the Stompers.

Eddie has been a featured disc jockey with his all C & W Gospel program for the past six years, heard daily on radio station KWAM, Memphis, Tennessee. He has also made many guest appearances on Grand Ole Opry, Louisiana Hayride and "Big D" Jamboree.

A product of Sam C. Phillips International Corporation, 639 Madison Avenue, Memphis Tennessee. Litographed by Carl Shorter Printing Co. Cover design: Verne Orlo Shreve

Misc info: All tracks recorded in Echo Studio, Memphis Tennessee on January 29, 1962. Indeed enough material for the advertised country album was recorded at the same session. Additional tracks were recorded on February 15, but no follow-up album was ever released.

- PILP 1985 -
Frank Ballard with Phillip Reynolds Band
Rhythm Party - Blues Party (1962)

Here is a combination of 12 tunes selected to provide great listening and dancing pleasure ... and to give an idea of the flexibility of the Phillip Reynolds Band. In fact, the name Phillip Reynolds Band with Frank Ballard the featured vocalist, in music, is known in the schools, colleges and universities throughout the south. The group has appeared on both radio and television. They grew up together in the same community, that's just how close and tight the 'cats' are. The aggregation has been called the 'Band of Teachers' as each musician is a public school music teacher.

Singing has always been a part of Frank Ballard! He started singing along the sidewalks in his home town, Jackson, Tennessee. While growing up, he would spend many hours singing for people along the streets for pennies. Later he started singing in elementary school on almost every program. It was at North Jackson Elementary School that Frank first got the name of the 'Golden Voice'. In an elementary school play, he had the role of Roland Hayes, a famous tenor, and gained much fame from that. Frank was always a little bashful when it came to singing on a stage, but it all left after he started singing at St. Paul C.M.B. Church, Jackson, of which he's a member.

High school found him singing at every opportunity and Merry High School was perhaps the greatest help of his singing career. His musich teacher, Mrs. Meachem, gave lots of her time and knowledge, which gave him the confidence that was so needed. Frank organized a quartet while in high school that caught on fire with fame all over West Tennessee.

With his Mother's help also, he gained great voice control and when he reached college, was ready to sing his heart. Lane College was a wonderful place for Frank to learn the important phases of music, and through the assistance of wonderful instructors, found himself greatly improved.

Time moved and the chance came to star as a vocalist with Curtis Amy and his big band. Since that time he has sung in fifteen states and many fine night clubs. Since Phillip Reynolds organized his famous orchestra, Frank has had the vocal spot-light. Naturally his aim is to turn over hit after hit as a recording artist.

Here is recorded music with brilliance, dynamic range, clarity, breadth, and direction. Pick up on it - we hope and believe you'll dig it!

A product of Sam C. Phillips International Corporation, 639 Madison Avenue, Memphis Tennessee. Litographed by Carl Shorter Printing Co. Cover design: Verne Orlo Shreve

Misc info: Recorded at Sam Phillips' Recording Studios, 639 Madison Ave. Memphis Tn on March 18, 1962.

- American International Records AI-31007 -
John Hester plays
Upbeat Christmas (ca 1962/63)

The album you're holding in your hands represents a new and exciting fronteir in Christmas sounds. John Hester has brought together Seven of Memphis, Tennessee's top-flight musicians and together they have arranged and produced this frolicking up-beat Christmas collection.

The material is time-honored and the new compositions are destined for standard status. Whatever your favorite may be, we hope it is included in this fabulous Yuletide collection. This album is a treat and should be included in your record library for seasonal listening pleasure.

• Produced by: John Hester
• Recorded by: Phillips Rec. Studio Memphis, Tenn.
• Engineered by: Stan Kesler
• Designed by: Lester & Carpenter

IMPORTANT!
This AI Compatible record can be played on phonographs equipped for monaural, HI-FI or STEREO.

Unreleased one-sided 10" demo acetate with a vocal John Hester song,
possibly recorded at his own expense at the Christmas session, ca 1962.

Misc info: This rare and uncataloged instrumental LP was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Studio on 639 Madison Avenue. Indeed it plays true stereo which makes it one of the earliest known stereo releases out of the Phillips studio. Not much else is known so additional information sharing is encouraged and appreciated!