Parrot Records (blues label)

Parrot Records was a Chicago-based independent blues record label active primarily in the early to mid-1950s. Founded by Al Benson, a prominent radio DJ and record producer in the Chicago area, Parrot Records was dedicated to recording and promoting blues artists, often those overlooked by the larger national labels.

The label's catalog featured a number of notable blues musicians, including Sunnyland Slim, Little Willie Foster, Eddie Boyd, and Memphis Minnie. Parrot Records was known for its raw and energetic sound, reflecting the vibrant blues scene of Chicago's South Side during that era. Al Benson’s influence as a DJ helped give Parrot Records releases significant airplay in the region.

While Parrot Records was relatively short-lived, its recordings have become highly regarded by blues enthusiasts and historians. The label's output provides a valuable document of the post-war Chicago blues sound and the artists who shaped it. Parrot Records folded in the late 1950s, but its recordings have been reissued on various compilations and retrospective albums, preserving its legacy for future generations.