Blue Rock Records was an American record label, a subsidiary of Mercury Records, and like their parent, based in Chicago between 1964 and 1969.[1] Blue Rock, headed by Carl Proctor,[2] was an attempt by major label Mercury to enter the burgeoning soul music market. The label produced records in-house as well as releasing efforts produced independently. The in-house producers were based in Chicago and New York.[2]
One artist signed to the label was Chicagoan Otis Leavill, who released 4 singles on the label, including "Let Her Love Me" (1964), one of the label's few national hits, reaching #29 on the Cashbox R&B chart in February, 1965.[3] Another artist signed to the label who received a modicum of success was Dee Dee Warwick, sister of Dionne Warwick, who hit with "We're Doing Fine" in 1965.[2] The same year, Blue Rock released a version of "Mustang Sally" by its author, Sir Mack Rice.[4]
The imprint was put on hiatus in 1966 but was relaunched in 1968. Jack Daniels was put in charge of A&R and production, but by 1970, the label was once again discontinued.[2]
Joyce Kennedy ("I'm a Good Girl"),[2] Tony Diamond, Johnnie Mae Matthews, Little Rose Little, Big Tim & The Empires, Janeen Henry, Big Frank & The Essences, Johnny Moore, Kenny Carlton, Bobby Hutton, The Commotions, Brothers Of Love, Johnny & Jake, Shirley Wahls & Spouse, Renaldo Domino and Dizzy Jones were also on the roster.
The 1990s double compilation album of the label's output, Lost and Found: The Blue Rock Records Story, is out of print.