The Gotham record label was founded in 1946 by Sam Goode, a music enthusiast and entrepreneur who wanted to promote the emerging genres of rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel. The label was originally based in New York, but moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1948, and had a roster of talented artists such as The Capris, Jimmy Preston, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and Tiny Grimes. The label also had a subsidiary, Gotham Gospel, which specialized in religious music.
The label's most successful period was in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when it produced several hit records such as "Rock the Joint" by Jimmy Preston, "Two Little Fishes and Five Loaves of Bread" by The Dixie Hummingbirds, and "Romance in the Dark" by The Capris. The label also had a reputation for being innovative and experimental, as it experimented with different styles and sounds such as jump blues, doo-wop, rockabilly, and bebop.
However, the label faced several challenges in the mid-1950s, such as competition from other labels, legal disputes over royalties and contracts, and changing musical tastes. The label also suffered from financial difficulties and mismanagement, as Goode was unable to keep up with the demands of the industry and his artists. The label eventually went bankrupt in 1959, and its catalog was sold to various companies.
Previous Record Labels:
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