Darrow Fletcher Presents Jacklyn & Genna Records

Description

The Jacklyn Records label is famous among soul record collectors for having produced three excellent 45s by Darrow Fletcher, released in the mid-60s. Owned by his father, Johnny Haygood, who ran it, the label certainly served as a springboard for Fletcher’s long career, but it had been created for another artist and offered Chicago soul fans several exceptional records during its seven years of existence. A young salesman at Haygood’s record store, Paul Smith, launched the label, following in the footsteps of the young Fletcher, who had begun his career a few years earlier. Although Smith released only two 45s, the three sides revealed a magnificent voice and a songwriting talent worthy of greater recognition. This songwriting talent was highlighted in more detail by research, making Smith an example of “what might have been.” The Lovemasters group released only one record, but both sides are highly regarded and a unique acetate of two other songs helped build their reputation. Although the group left Jacklyn around 1971, its lead singer, Ron Murray, continued with Haygood, releasing two 45s on his new subsidiary label, Genna. These titles also featured backing vocals from members of the Lovemasters. As is often the case with small labels, the little-known artists offer gems, including the solo singers Pam Colquitt and Bobbie Brown, who each released a single record, but with two excellent B-sides each. The famous bluesman Mighty Joe Young ventured brilliantly into soul on his two B-sides, while Chicago studio musician and arranger Joe Savage made his only contribution as an artist on the punchy instrumental (with vocals) “All Power To The People”. These tracks make up a fascinating and entertaining chapter in the rich history of Chicago soul.