Little Star Records

Little Star Records was a short-lived independent record label established in 1961 by H. B. Barnum, a veteran of the American music industry. The label operated during a period when independent companies played an important role in discovering, recording, and distributing performers outside the largest established record businesses. Its documented roster included Jimmy Cavallo, The O'Jays, and Little Richard. The label is particularly notable for recordings by Little Richard made under the pseudonym “The World Famous Upsetters.” These sessions represented his first non-gospel recordings since 1957, giving Little Star Records a place in the transition between his earlier rock-and-roll work and his later recording activity. The use of a pseudonym also distinguished this phase of his career from recordings issued under his better-known professional name. Little Star Records remained active for only a brief period. Founded in 1961, it folded in 1963, leaving a limited documented operating history but a roster connected to several significant figures in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and soul. No reliable information in the supplied references establishes a current owner, successor organization, headquarters, surviving corporate structure, or active catalog operation. The label should therefore be treated as a defunct historical music-label brand rather than a continuing commercial business.

Little Star Records was founded in 1961 by H. B. Barnum, a music industry veteran who established the company as an independent record label. Its existence coincided with a period in which smaller labels provided recording and release opportunities for artists working in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, and neighboring popular-music styles. The label's documented artists included Jimmy Cavallo and The O'Jays. Its most distinctive historical association is with Little Richard, who recorded for the company under the pseudonym “The World Famous Upsetters.” These recordings were significant in the context of Little Richard's career because they marked his first non-gospel recordings since 1957. The pseudonymous releases form the clearest documented link between Little Star Records and a major established rock-and-roll performer. Little Star Records had a brief lifespan. After beginning operations in 1961, it folded in 1963. The available reference material does not establish the label's complete discography, distribution arrangements, financial performance, headquarters, ownership after closure, or any successor business. Accordingly, its historical importance rests primarily on its association with Barnum, its small but notable roster, and the Little Richard sessions rather than on a long-running catalog or continuing brand presence.

• 1963

  Label folds

  [1]Little Star Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Little Star Records ceased operations after approximately two years.

• 1961

  Label founded

  [1]Little Star Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  H. B. Barnum founded Little Star Records as an independent record label.

• Little Richard records under a pseudonym

  [1]Little Star Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Little Richard made recordings for the label under the name “The World Famous Upsetters,” representing his first non-gospel recordings since 1957.

A short-lived independent record label focused on commercial recordings by performers in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and related popular-music fields.

• Recorded music · 1961

  Little Star Records single releases

  The label's documented output consisted of commercial recorded-music releases by artists including Jimmy Cavallo, The O'Jays, and Little Richard. The supplied reference does not provide a complete release list, catalog numbers, or a verified account of the label's distribution history.

1. 1Little Star Recordsen.wikipedia.org