First Listen: Secret Stash's One-derful! Collection, Volume 1
October 31, 2014
Secret Stash Records of Minneapolis is releasing the first in-depth collection of music recorded by what was once one of Chicago's most prominent African-American-run labels, One-derful! Records.
The first installment of the One-derful! Collection focuses on the namesake imprint of the legendary Chicago label group, to be followed by compilations of the Mar-V-Lus, M-Pac!, Halo, Midas and Toddlin' Town sub-labels.
In 1962, when brothers George and Ernie Leaner founded One-derful! Records, they were revered figures in Chicago's music scene. The Leaners distributed material from labels like Motown and Stax, and as a result, One-derful! attracted top talent. As a result, the 25 tracks on the One-derful! Collection includes soul classics from McKinley Mitchell and Betty Everett; mid-60s R&B from the Five Du-Tones; soul ballads from Otis Clay; and group-harmony from The Sharpees and The Admirations. There are also 12 tracks that have never been previously issued.
More than two years' of research and work — including many hours spent cataloging, transferring, and mastering 250 of the label's tapes — made this extensive collection possible.
Spanning 1962 to 1971, the compilations bring forth a wealth of previously forgotten recordings and history. You can enjoy a First Listen to these tracks by clicking the audio player above.
Note: The first listen has expired.
