Constellation Records (Chicago)
| Constellation Records | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Ewart Abner |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Status | Defunct |
| Distributor(s) | self-distributed |
| Genre | various |
| Country of origin | United States |
Constellation Records was an American record label extant from 1963 to 1966. Despite only being in business for a few years, the label was described by the Encyclopedia of Popular Music as "one of the legendary labels of the soul era".[1]
Constellation was founded by Ewart Abner in 1963 after he was forced from Vee-Jay Records. His business partners included artist and repertory man Bunky Sheppard and investor Art Sheridan.[1] The label's most successful artist was Gene Chandler. While it was a prominent releaser of Chicago soul music,[1] it also released many singles from New Orleans-based musicians, as well as music in the genres of rock, pop, gospel, and blues.
Constellation released approximately 70 singles during its time of operation, many of which were re-released on CD by Collectables Records in later decades.
Artists[edit]
 |
- Gene Chandler
- Billy "The Kid" Emerson
- Nolan Chance
- Dee Clark
- Lee Dorsey
- Frankie Ford
- The Freedoms
- Wilbert Harrison
- Sonny Holliday
- Sandra Lynn
- Johnny Lytle
- Holly Maxwell
- Bobby Miller
- Roscoe Robinson
- The Sheppard
- Gerri Taylor
- Carol Vega
- Don Jacoby
