Macy's Recordings

Macy's Recordings (Queen of Hits) was a Houston-based record label that released recordings of popular musicians around the southern United States. In April 1949, they famously recorded Lester Williams' song "Winter Time Blues" on their R&B series which became a hit.[3][4] They would go on to record country and Cajun music as well.[5]

Macy's Recordings
Macy's Recordings "Queen of Hits"
Founded1948 (or early 1949) [1][2]
Defunct1951[1]
StatusDefunct
GenreCajun, country, swamp blues, swamp pop
Country of originUnited States
LocationHouston, Texas, United States

History
Steve Poncio, ca.1968

The record label was started by husband and wife, Charles D. Henry and Macy Lela Henry, whom worked alongside supervisor Steve Poncio. Poncio worked as general manager for Macy's in 1946 and then founded United Record Distributing Company in 1949.[6] Macy ran a department store based in Houston, Texas (unrelated to the famous New York department store) and in 1948, they began distributing records for other labels, such as Modern Music, including their back catalog material.[7] and even had an office in Dallas.[8][9] In 1949, they decided to create their own label to sell and distribute from their store. They created the Macy's Record Distribution Company[2] and they used Bill Holford's ACA Studios in Houston to record the music.[3] The place was known for its high quality sound.

Their first recordings released were with Jim Reeves.[5] However, they would make their mark on blues music in 1949 by recording Lester Williams'[10] song "Winter Time Blues" and then in 1950, they would sign and record Clarence Garlow,[11] releasing a version of his song "Bon Ton Rolla".[1] The company would hire other dealers to distribute their music in Nashville, Atlanta and New Orleans.[12]

Bill Holford at ACA Studios, early 1960s

These artists would go on to record other songs for Macy. Macy's didn't fare well in the marketplace despite the quality of their music. They were competing against other Houston brands such as Duke-Peacock, D Records, Starday, Freedom, Sittin' In With and Gold Star.[13] By June 1951, many of their signature artists moved to Modern Records and Aladdin Records ending the Macy's label production.

Artists

Discography

Compilations
  • Cat N Around (#875512 KrazyKat/Interstate, 1997) [14]
  • Texas Hillbilly: The Best of Macy's Hillbilly Recordings (ACRCD125 Acrobat, 2006)
  • Queen Of Hits: The Macy's Recordings Story (ACRCD228 Acrobat, 2011)[1]
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References
  1. "MVD Entertainment Group: Queen Of Hits: The Macy's Recordings Story". Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  2. Komara, Edward (2005). The Blues Encyclopedia: 2 Volume Set. Routledge. p. 646. ISBN 978-0415926997.
  3. O'Brien, Timothy J (2013). Mojo Hand: The Life and Music of Lightnin' Hopkins (1st ed.). University of Texas Press. p. 62. ISBN 978-0292745155.
  4. "Handbook of Texas Online: WILLIAMS, LESTER". Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  5. "Macy's Texas Hillbilly - The Best of Macy's Hillbilly Recordings". Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  6. "Monument/Sound Stage 7: Executive Staff". Billboard: pM-3 & pM-5. December 21, 1968.
  7. Broven, John (2010). Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers. University of Illinois Press. p. 44. ISBN 978-0252077272.
  8. "Coinmen You Know: Houston". The Billboard. 62 (19): 121. May 13, 1950.
  9. "Coinmen You Know: Houston". The Billboard. 60 (46): 107. November 13, 1948.
  10. Govenar, Alan B (2008). Texas Blues: The Rise of a Contemporary Sound. Texas A&M University Press. p. 282. ISBN 978-1585446056.
  11. Wood, Roger (2006). Texas Zydeco. University of Texas Press. p. 103. ISBN 978-0292712584.
  12. "Texas Disk Firm Names Distribs". The Billboard. 61 (33): 99. August 13, 1949.
  13. "Big Road Blues Show 5/3/09: Struggle Here In Houston – Houston Blues 1948-1968". Retrieved 2014-08-15.
  14. Wolff, Kurt (2000). Country Music: The Rough Guide. Rough Guides. p. 103. ISBN 978-1858285344.
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