From the MCRFB news archive: 1964
Detroit Label Set to Broaden Into New Expanse
NEW YORK — Motown Records, already a powerhouse in the pop and R&B fields, and with some catalog in the jazz market, is stepping up its diversification of product to extend into the country and folk areas. Diversification also can be found in the types of talent being signed by the label.
Typical is the pacting of former movie and singing star Bobby Breen for the pop field. Branching out further is the inclusion of a new comedy product by motion picture star Stephin Fetchit.
The Detroit-based record company is also reactivating the Melody label which will be used for country and folk product. Bruce Channel, who hit with “Hey Baby” a while back, Howard Crockett and Gene Henslee are artists set to appear. Records produced on this label will be handled by Al Klein in Dallas.
Barney Ales and President Barry Gordy noted that the label will continue its expansion and diversification with plans in the spoken word, Broadway cast and specialty fields. END
(Information and news source: Billboard; January 11, 1964).
