Moodsville Records was founded in 1959 by jazz producer and musician Esmond Edwards as a subsidiary of the larger label, Prestige Records. The label was primarily known for its focus on jazz, particularly the subgenre of cool jazz and vocal jazz, aiming to create a relaxed and atmospheric listening experience. Throughout the 1960s, Moodsville released a series of albums featuring notable artists such as vocalist Johnny Hartman and saxophonist Stan Getz. The label became renowned for its distinctive cover art and thematic album concepts, which often emphasized mood and ambiance. Despite its relatively short lifespan, Moodsville's catalog has been influential in shaping the jazz genre, particularly in how it approached the presentation of music. The label's legacy endures through its contributions to the cool jazz movement and its impact on subsequent generations of jazz musicians and producers.