The legendary soul label Stax Records, which produced such stars as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and the Staple Singers, will open its doors again after a 30-year hiatus by its current owner, Concord Music Group.
The first two artists to sign are Hayes and R&B singer Angie Stone, while the first new release will be Interpretations, a tribute to the songs of Earth Wind & Fire mastermind Maurice White. Los Angeles-based Concord, best known for its jazz roster, added Stax to its holdings as part of its acquisition of Fantasy Records in 2004. Stax traces its roots back to 1957, but during the ’60s and early ’70s, the Memphis label lived up to its “Soulsville” name, offering an edgier alternative to Motown Records, however it went under in 1975. Fantasy Records, which is owned by film mogul Saul Zaentz, bought the Stax master tapes for just $1.3 million at a bankruptcy auction in 1977. What a deal!