Many artists would move on from Fortune to impact directly or indirectly on the developing sixties Soul sound

Unlike most record companies of the 50’s, Fortune Records had a sound all of it’s own. You knew it was a Fortune Record without looking at the label. Just like Motown in the 60’s.

Other than the J-V-B record label started by Joe Von Battle in 1945 (which folded in 1968), Fortune has now become the oldest steady record producer from Detroit, Michigan. Out of all the record companies started in Detroit, including Motown who left, Fortune Records outlasted them all.

Ron Murphy

September 1983

The under noted links are essential reading/listening :

Fortune Singles Discography

Fortune Album Discography

Aural Tribute from Harmony Train

The Fortune Records Story by Rick Richards

Nolan Strong and The Diablos

Nathaniel Mayer

The Five Dollars

Willie Anderson

Big Maceo Merriweather

Johnny Powers

Roy Hall

Davis Sisters

John Lee Hooker

Spyder Turner

Ready for more great Detroit Soul Music History? View our Previous Feature: The FRED BRIDGES STORY  MORE GREAT WEBISODES !   MIKE HANKS   ROBERT WEST   DARRELL BANKS   JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS   GOLDEN WORLD   SOULFULDETROIT NIGHT   SIXTIES STUDIOS OF DETROIT     ROSE BATTISTE   The 20 GRAND   TERA SHIRMA NORTHERN SOUL TOUR SOULFUL DETROIT TOUR Bring back memories? Have any pictures or stories? We want to hear them and see them! Tell them and show them to us on the SoulfulDetroit Discussion Forum or Contact Us!

Notes thanks to Ron Murphy

Label scans courtesy of Motorcitymusic 
Image notes David Meikle.