Record label (California, 1944–1948). Owners: Robert
Scherman (b. June 14, 1915; Brazil, IN; d. November 2,
2000; Sun City, CA) and Art Rupe (b. Arthur Newton
Goldberg, September 5, 1917; Greensburg, PA). Based
in Hollywood, California, the label was originally called
Premier with recordings by the Nat King Cole Trio
(‘‘F. S. T.,’’ ‘‘Got a Penny’’). The label was the first to
record Frankie Laine (with Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers). Other artists include Johnny Alston (with George
Vann), the Four Vagabonds, Walter Fuller, Luke
Jones, Red Mack, and Oscar Moore.
ROBERT EAGLE
Bibliography
McGrath