Ric Records
Encyclopedia
Ric Records, along with sister label Ron Records, were American record labels formed by Joe Ruffino in 1959. Although most of Ric's releases did not rise above regional hits, the label was active during the golden era of New Orleans R&B and was an incubator for many artists who are now recognized as definers of the style.
After his first taste of the music industry at A-1 Distributors, Joe Ruffino set out on his own with the Ric and Ron imprints, headquartered at 630 Baronne Street in New Orleans. The labels were named after Joe's two sons. Ric Records was focused exclusively on releasing local New Orleans talent. Edgar Blanchard was brought on to help with studio arrangements, and supervised all early Ric studio sessions. He was later replaced by Harold Battiste
. John Mac Rebennack AKA "Dr. John
" was also brought on as label president and helped with writing and producing. Artists released on the label include Eddie Bo
, Johnny Adams
, Lenny Capello, Al Johnson, Tommy Ridgley
and Joe Jones (singer)
. Joe Jones provided Ric with its only sizeable hit, "You Talk Too Much", which peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 in the fall of 1960. Unfortunately this record was the cause of some legal issues with New York City-based outfit Roulette Records
, with which Joe Jones previously recorded a version of the tune.
Sister label Ron Records had a similar focus on local talent. Artists released include Professor Longhair
(local favorite "Go To The Mardi Gras"), Irma Thomas
, Bobby Mitchell (singer)
, Eddie Lang (not to be confused with noted Jazz guitarist Eddie Lang
) and Martha Carter. After being discovered in a local club by Tommy Ridgley, Irma Thomas recorded her first single "(You Can Have My Husband but) Don't Mess with My Man" for Ron within a week. She is now recognized as an important American singer and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Ric and Ron folded in 1962 when Joe Ruffino died.
After his first taste of the music industry at A-1 Distributors, Joe Ruffino set out on his own with the Ric and Ron imprints, headquartered at 630 Baronne Street in New Orleans. The labels were named after Joe's two sons. Ric Records was focused exclusively on releasing local New Orleans talent. Edgar Blanchard was brought on to help with studio arrangements, and supervised all early Ric studio sessions. He was later replaced by Harold Battiste
Harold Battiste
Harold Raymond Battiste, Jr. , is an American music composer, arranger, performer and teacher.He attended New Orleans' Dillard University, earning a B.S. in music in 1953. His first success as a studio arranger was with Sam Cooke’s "You Send Me" in 1957...
. John Mac Rebennack AKA "Dr. John
Dr. John
Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack, Jr. , better known by the stage name Dr. John , is an American singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist, whose music combines blues, pop, jazz as well as Zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll.Active as a session musician since the late 1950s, he came to wider...
" was also brought on as label president and helped with writing and producing. Artists released on the label include Eddie Bo
Eddie Bo
Edwin Joseph Bocage was an American singer and New Orleans-style pianist. Schooled in jazz, he was known for his blues, soul and funk recordings, compositions, productions and arrangements...
, Johnny Adams
Johnny Adams
Laten John Adams , known as Johnny Adams, was an American blues, jazz and gospel singer, known as "The Tan Canary" for the multi-octave range of his singing voice, his swooping vocal mannerisms and falsetto...
, Lenny Capello, Al Johnson, Tommy Ridgley
Tommy Ridgley
Tommy Ridgley was an American R&B singer and bandleader in New Orleans, Louisiana.-Biography:Born Thomas Herman Ridgley, he released his debut single "Shrewsbury Blues" in New Orleans in 1949The success of Shrewsbury Blues lead to Ridgley being billed as the 'Shrewsbury Kid' for a number of years...
and Joe Jones (singer)
Joe Jones (singer)
Joe Jones was an American R&B singer, songwriter and arranger...
. Joe Jones provided Ric with its only sizeable hit, "You Talk Too Much", which peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 in the fall of 1960. Unfortunately this record was the cause of some legal issues with New York City-based outfit Roulette Records
Roulette Records
Roulette Records is an American record label, which was founded in late 1956, by George Goldner, Joe Kolsky, Morris Levy and Phil Khals, with creative control given to producers and songwriters Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore. Levy was appointed as director...
, with which Joe Jones previously recorded a version of the tune.
Sister label Ron Records had a similar focus on local talent. Artists released include Professor Longhair
Professor Longhair
Professor Longhair was a New Orleans blues singer and pianist...
(local favorite "Go To The Mardi Gras"), Irma Thomas
Irma Thomas
Irma Thomas is an American Grammy Award-winning soul and rhythm and blues singer from New Orleans. She is known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans"....
, Bobby Mitchell (singer)
Bobby Mitchell (singer)
Bobby Mitchell was a New Orleans Rhythm & Blues singer and songwriter.Mitchell was born in the Algiers section of New Orleans. He was a popular recording artist in the 1950s and early 1960s, making records for Imperial Records, Show Biz Records and Rip Records...
, Eddie Lang (not to be confused with noted Jazz guitarist Eddie Lang
Eddie Lang
Eddie Lang was an American jazz guitarist, regarded as the Father of Jazz Guitar. He played a Gibson L-4 and L-5 guitar, providing great influence for many guitarists, including Django Reinhardt.-Biography:...
) and Martha Carter. After being discovered in a local club by Tommy Ridgley, Irma Thomas recorded her first single "(You Can Have My Husband but) Don't Mess with My Man" for Ron within a week. She is now recognized as an important American singer and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Ric and Ron folded in 1962 when Joe Ruffino died.