Black-owned record companies in the 60s and 70s

[robb_k]

Most of them never had a chance to do well. The distributors almost never paid them, unless they had two giant major hits in a row. They were still doing that in the early 89s, and never paid us [[Airwave) a penny despite our Delia Renee record selling over 200,000. The only cash we ever took in was direct sales in dance clubs, and upfront fees from selling foreign rights.

[marv2]

Most of them never had a chance to do well. The distributors almost never paid them, unless they had two giant major hits in a row. They were still doing that in the early 89s, and never paid us [[Airwave) a penny despite our Delia Renee record selling over 200,000. The only cash we ever took in was direct sales in dance clubs, and upfront fees from selling foreign rights.

Oh that is terrible. I thought at least the labels made a little bit of money, the artists not so much. I guess now I have a great appreciation of what Barney Ales did at Motown. Thank you Robb.