Big Town

Big Town Records was founded in 1949 by the influential music producer and entrepreneur, Ted Wilkins. Originally based in New York City, the label focused on rhythm and blues, quickly gaining prominence in the post-war music scene. Big Town became known for its roster of notable artists, including the legendary blues musician Johnny Lee Hooker and the doo-wop group The Five Satins, who achieved fame with their hit "In the Still of the Nite." Throughout the 1950s, Big Town expanded its catalog to include early rock and roll and gospel music, contributing to the diverse soundscape of the era. Despite its initial success, the label faced challenges in the 1960s and eventually ceased operations in the late 1970s. Big Town's legacy endures through its influential recordings, which remain significant in the history of American music, particularly in the development of rhythm and blues and early rock genres.