#568 (Week of 5/17/08 - 5/23/08)

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE DOMINOES - PART ONE

"Do Something For Me"/"Chicken Blues"
by The Dominoes
on Federal 12001-AA/A
released in 1950


Federal Releases First Record
[This clipping courtesy of Marv Goldberg and Yesterday's Memories Magazine.]

Above: Clipping from The Billboard (12/23/50).

Clipping Caption: CINCINNATI, OHIO — Ralph Bass, A & R man for Federal Records, kicks off his new label as he presents the first record off the press to Bill Ward, leader and arranger of the Dominoes, a quartet which has just waxed "Do Something For Me" backed by "Chicken Blues." Left to right, are: Ralph Bass, Charles White, Clyde McPhatter, William Brown and Joseph Lamont. Bill Ward is at the piano.

Click HERE to view an article about The Dominoes by Marv Goldberg.

[Above clipping courtesy of Galen Gart.]

Above: Trade magazine clipping from December 1950.

Trade Magazine Article (11/11/50):

King Bows Federal Subsidiary; Bass Assumes A.&R. Post

NEW YORK — A new King Records subsidiary, probably to be named Federal Records, is set to make its bow shortly, according to Sydney Nathan, prexy of King and DeLuxe record firms. Nathan said the decision to put a new label on the market was made at a recent board of directors meeting.

It was also learned that Ralph Bass has joined the new firm and will be in charge of rhythm and blues talent. Bass, who severed his connection with Herman Lubinsky's Savoy diskery, was formerly with Black & White, now defunct, and once had his own label [Bop located in LA 1947-49].

According to Nathan, flavor of Bass' recordings for Federal will be different from those now produced on King and DeLuxe. Federal will emphasize rhythm and blues material initially, but will also venture into the hillbilly and pop field. Label will also be used to develop talent which may be switched to the regular King label. Release of material pressed from masters of other companies is also contemplated.

Federal will be distributed thru the 33 King company-owned branches thruout the country.

Above: Label image for Federal 12001-AA released in December 1950. Both sides were recorded on 11/14/50. Clyde McPhatter sings lead on "Do Something..." and Bill Brown does same on the flip.

Listen to this week's selections by The Dominoes: [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]

A. Stream RealAudio (DO NOT USE...LISTEN USING DOWNLOAD REALAUDIO)...          Do Something For Me - Federal 12001-AA - 1950        Chicken Blues - Federal 12001-A - 1950          BOTH SONGS played in sequence   B. Download RealAudio...          Do Something For Me - Federal 12001-AA - 1950        Chicken Blues - Federal 12001-A - 1950     C. Stream/Download** Media Player...          Do Something For Me - Federal 12001-AA - 1950        Chicken Blues - Federal 12001-A - 1950          [**To download Media file, right-click on link under C        and then click "Save (Link) Target As..."]

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