Darrow Fletcher Presents Jacklyn & Genna Records

Description

The Jacklyn Records label is famous among soul record collectors for producing three excellent 45s by Darrow Fletcher, released in the mid-1960s. Owned and run by his father, Johnny Haygood, this label certainly served as a springboard for Fletcher's long career, but it was created for another artist and offered Chicago soul fans several exceptional records during its seven years of existence.A young clerk at Haygood's record store, Paul Smith, launched the label, following in the footsteps of young Fletcher who had started his career a few years earlier. Although Smith only released two 45s, the three sides revealed a beautiful voice and songwriting talent worthy of greater fame. This songwriting talent was highlighted in more detail through research, making Smith an example of "what might have been." The group Lovemasters only released one record, but both sides are highly prized, and a unique acetate of two other songs contributed to 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 tracks also featured backing vocals from members of the Lovemasters.As is often the case with small labels, nearly unknown artists offer gems, including solo female singers Pam Colquitt and Bobbie Brown, who each released a single, but with two excellent B-sides apiece.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 sole contribution as an artist on the hard-hitting instrumental (with vocals) "All Power To The People."These tracks form a fascinating and entertaining chapter in the rich history of Chicago soul.