Meteor Records was an American record label that operated in the early 1950s. It was established in 1952 as a subsidiary of Modern Records, a company owned by the Bihari brothers (Joe, Jules, and Saul Bihari). The label was based in Memphis, Tennessee, and its roster focused primarily on blues, rhythm and blues (R&B), and early rock‑and‑roll artists from the Southern United States.
History
- Founding: Meteor Records was launched in 1952 to extend Modern Records’ reach into the Southern market, leveraging Memphis’s vibrant music scene.
- Operations: The label recorded and released material by regional performers, many of whom were previously unknown outside their local areas. It utilized local studios and talent scouts to source recordings.
- Closure: Meteor Records ceased operations by the mid‑1950s (circa 1955–1957). The exact year of shutdown varies among sources, but the label’s activity was relatively short‑lived.
Notable Artists and Releases
While the label’s catalog was limited, several recordings have been cited by music historians as significant examples of early 1950s Southern blues and R&B. Artists associated with Meteor Records include:
- Elmore James – Early recordings that predate his later fame on larger labels.
- Little Milton – Early singles that contributed to his development as a blues guitarist and vocalist.
- Jimmy Reed – Some of his first recordings were issued through Meteor before he signed with larger national labels.
(Exact discographies vary; many releases have been reissued on compilation albums.)
Legacy
Meteor Records is noted by scholars of American popular music for its role in documenting and disseminating Southern blues and R&B during a formative period for these genres. Although the label’s lifespan was brief, its recordings are considered valuable primary sources for the study of mid‑20th‑century American music. Several Meteor recordings have been reissued on CD and digital platforms, contributing to the ongoing appreciation of the era’s musical heritage.
