Shout! Records began as the RPM Records exploration of American Soul and R&B, areas not hitherto covered by the main RPM label, and ran as a contained series for the first 21 editions. The series was then floated as its own imprint as a foothold had been secured in the Classic Soul market.

The imprint name was chosen from a mixture of influences, the Isleys hit, the Bert Berns sub-Bang label,  the 70’s Uk soul mag of the same name. Logo design of our label is somewhere between Minit and the Bert Berns original Shout label.

Clive Richardson has been the A&R head since day one and it has been his discerning taste which has shaped the labels musical direction. Clive’s own journey of musical appreciation starting in the early 1960’s, as part of the inaugural small London scene which also involved the likes of Dave Godin,Tony Cummings, Charlie Gillett, Dave McAleer,  and onwards naturally influences the A&R.  Shout! Records inherits this pedigree and flavour.

Clive’s memoir of his life’s journey with Soul, from fan to fanzine (the ‘zine he ran called Shout in the late 60’s early 70’s), to respected writer and commentator, from interviewer to DJ to Soul radio station co-owner (Solar Radio), is due to be published this year. The attached synopsis further illustrates SHOUT! Records hinterland.

As owner and executive producer of the label Mark Stratford first dabbled with the vintage Soul market producing a five album compilation series in 1989 simply entitled The Classic Soul Years for a mid price label.  Clive was introduced during the production and the association was recalled when the idea of starting Shout! Records took hold.

RPM Records underwent a significant change in 1999 when it tied up with Cherry Red Records as its new backer. At this point the A&R focus shifted too and the idea to return to the Classic Soul Years area of musical investigation came up. To kick off we selected the recording catalogues most easily available to us to license, those of SSS International, Vee Jay,  and One-der-ful/Mar-v-lus  the music within having  been on previous vinyl reissues which had long since been deleted.

The next decade saw a steady stream of releases developing as more licensing sources became available , as the sales and distribution network of Cherry Red Records got a handle on the projects we were producing, and the reputation of SHOUT! grew within Soul circles. A further feature of the A&R policy over the ten years has been to present many different aspects of Classic  Soul and R&B ; now the catalogue of over 60 albums contains Classic Male vocal, Female Stars, Groups, Duos , in variations of Soul classified as Deep, Southern,Modern,Uptown,Funk,Blues,Gospel.

Clive’s musical journey as a fan,writer and traveller to the US connected him directly with many artists. For example photos adorning the first Johnny Adams package we released are from Clive’s meeting with Adams in Louisiana in 1982. Many stories and quotes are from interviews Clive has conducted with artists visiting the UK over the past forty yeas. The direct connection remains something Shout! Records attempts to continue where possible with its release projects. Fresh quotes from the likes of The Knight Brother Jimmy Diggs for example can give releases more uniqueness.

Sadly time has moved on and the connection today is often with the families and estates thereof,  such as those of Roy Hamilton, Jimmy Radcliffe and Don Varner, but  they are very cooperative as both sides strive to not only preserve but to promote this fabulous music to new generations.

A credo which drives Shout ! Records onwards.