Don Robey

Don Robey ( born November 1, 1903 in Houston, Texas, † June 16, 1975 in Houston, Texas) was an American songwriter, promoter and music producer. He was the first African-American who owned a successful record label. Among the artists he had under contract, included Bobby " Blue" Bland, Big Mama Thornton, Clarence " Gatemouth " Brown, Memphis Slim, Little Junior Parker and many others.

Before turning to the music business, to Robey tried in various activities - he was, inter alia, professional player and taxi business. In the 1930s he organized in the Houston area dance events. In Los Angeles, he ran a club temporarily before the " Bronze Peacock Dinner Club" opened mid 1940 in Houston. Then there was a record store, an artist agency, and in 1949 the record label Peacock Records.

Robey had Clarence " Gatemouth " Brown under contract with the Peacock had his first hits. The first number 1 had the label with Hound Dog by Big Mama Thornton.

In 1952, Peacock and Duke Records combined from Memphis ( Tennessee) to Duke - Peacock. 1953 Robey became the sole owner. Among the stars of the label included Johnny Ace, Rosco Gordon, Little Junior Parker and Bobby " Blue" Bland.

In 1957, Robey R & B label Backbeat. Duke - Peacock Blues focused next on Gospel. 1973 Robey sold Duke - Peacock and was working for the new owner, ABC - Dunhill Records, as a consultant.

Don Robey died in 1975 in Houston.