Lucky Four

Lucky Four Records was a Chicago-based independent record label active from 1960 to 1963. The company operated from 5411 West Diversey Avenue in Chicago and was founded and owned by Lenny LaCour, who also worked as a singer, songwriter, and record producer. The label appears to have concentrated on the release of 45 rpm singles rather than developing a broad album catalog. Its documented releases included recordings by LaCour himself as well as material by acts such as the Swinging Hearts, the Belvederes, and Eddy Bell. The surviving catalog reflects the variety often associated with small independent labels of the early 1960s, with releases attributed to multiple performers rather than a single house artist or narrowly defined genre identity. Available reference material does not establish a large-scale distribution network, a parent company, a later corporate successor, or operations beyond the label's Chicago base. Lucky Four Records ceased operations after a brief three-year run. Although the label was not a long-lived major industry business, its original singles have acquired interest among record collectors. The release most often singled out is Eddy Bell's "The Great Great Pumpkin," a Halloween novelty recording issued as catalog number 1012. Collectibility appears to derive from the scarcity and specialist appeal of the original pressings, rather than from evidence of substantial contemporary commercial success. Because the surviving public record is limited, details about the label's complete release chronology, sales, distribution arrangements, recording facilities, staff, and financial performance remain undocumented here. Lucky Four is best understood as a small, now-defunct Chicago independent label whose historical footprint is preserved primarily through its 45 rpm singles and the collector market surrounding them.

Lucky Four Records was established in Chicago in 1960 by Lenny LaCour. LaCour combined several roles within the business: he founded and owned the label while also being active as a singer, songwriter, and record producer. The company was located at 5411 West Diversey Avenue, giving the label a documented Chicago address during its operating period. The label's activity appears to have centered on 45 rpm singles. Its catalog included recordings by LaCour and by several other performers, including the Swinging Hearts, the Belvederes, and Eddy Bell. The available historical record does not indicate that Lucky Four developed a substantial long-playing album program, became part of a larger corporate music group, or maintained a lengthy national operation. Instead, it represents the type of small independent label whose presence was built through individual single releases. Among the identified releases, Eddy Bell's "The Great Great Pumpkin" is especially notable. The Halloween-themed novelty song was issued as Lucky Four catalog number 1012 and is frequently identified as a particularly sought-after item in the label's catalog. Its continued recognition comes from collector interest in original Lucky Four pressings and in rare early-1960s independent-label singles. Lucky Four Records existed for approximately three years and was no longer operating after 1963. Information about the label's full discography, production personnel, distribution partners, recording budgets, and commercial results is limited in the available references. The label's historical importance therefore rests less on scale or longevity than on its surviving singles, its association with Lenny LaCour, and the specialist collectibility of releases such as "The Great Great Pumpkin."

• 1963

  Label ceases operations

  [1]Lucky Four Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Lucky Four Records' documented operating period ended after approximately three years.

• 1960

  Label founded in Chicago

  [1]Lucky Four Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Lenny LaCour established Lucky Four Records in Chicago, where the company operated from 5411 West Diversey Avenue.

• 1960

  45 rpm single program begins

  [1]Lucky Four Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  The label began issuing 45 rpm singles, including recordings associated with LaCour and other independent performers.

A small Chicago independent record label focused on issuing singles by local or independent recording artists.

• Recorded music · 1960

  Lucky Four 45 rpm singles

  Lucky Four's known output consists primarily of 45 rpm singles released during the label's Chicago operating period. The catalog included performances by Lenny LaCour and by acts such as the Swinging Hearts, the Belvederes, and Eddy Bell. These records are now encountered mainly through specialist collecting rather than current commercial distribution.

• Novelty single

  The Great Great Pumpkin

  Eddy Bell's Halloween novelty song, released as Lucky Four catalog number 1012. It is identified in reference material as one of the label's most sought-after records and has become the best-known collector item associated with the Lucky Four catalog.

1. 1Lucky Four Recordsen.wikipedia.org