"Aretha with the Ray Bryant Combo"- Radio Station Release Copy
$
175
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Description
"Aretha with the Ray Bryant Trio". Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS Media Mail.
This ultra-rare copy of Aretha Franklin’s first vinyl release, comes from the personnel collection of a former radio announcer who preserved it over the years. This album released in early 1961, was received by a local AM radio station in early March, 1961. Note it is very early radio station demonstration copy, and is clearly marked on the record label and album covers as such. In the early 1960s, all AM radio stations broadcast in Monaural and as a result Record Companies provided Monaural “Demos” to be used for programming. Aretha was 18years old at the time, and followed her father’s suggestion to record first with Columbia Records, rather than several other suggested Record labels. Columbia was one of the top labels at the time, but considered as very conservative in its releases. The album is excellent in many ways, but certainly did not showcase the wide range and full talents of Aretha. Columbia showcased Aretha strictly as a “Jazz” singer which did not show her incredible vocal range. But in spite of these limitations, she performed very well and met the expectations of Columbia records. As a result, many AM radio Stations at the time, barely played cuts from the album and it was considered nothing special. At the end of her contract in 1966, Aretha ended up owing money to Columbia as her record sales had not met their expectations. But in 1967, that all changed. Aretha signed with Atlantic Records, where producer Jerry Wexler knew how to take advantage of her Gospel roots and incredible range, leading to her unimaginable success. The monaural vinyl record is in excellent condition, as it was rarely played. The album cover however shows reasonable ageing considering 60 years of careful storage. Note hand written date at the top of the back cover 3-13-61, when it was received by the radio station. Both the record label and cover are clearly marked with "Demonstration"- not for sale!.
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