Winley

Winley Records was founded in 1953 by Jerry Wexler and his partner, with a focus on rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul music. The label gained prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for its innovative approach to recording and promoting African American artists. Key artists associated with Winley include the vocal group The Five Satins, famous for their hit "In the Still of the Nite," and other notable acts like The Drifters and The Shirelles. Winley played a significant role in the crossover of R&B into mainstream pop, helping to shape the sound of the era. Although it faced challenges in the late 1960s and eventually became less active, Winley Records left a lasting legacy in the music industry, particularly in the development of soul and doo-wop genres, influencing future generations of musicians and labels.