People (8)

Label was set up in 1971 by James Brown with the first release 'Escape-ism' in May of that year. People Records was the home of Lyn Collins and Mr. Brown's own band, The J.B.'s, just to name a couple of the most prolific artists on the label's roster. The ownership went from Brown and King to Polydor Incorporated in July 1971 when Polydor signed James Brown and acquired the label as part of the deal with Lin Broadcasting Corporation and the artist to acquire and extend Brown's contract. Of all the labels Brown set up, People Records ultimately became the longest-surviving label of the lot. After nine albums and over fifty singles to the label's credit, People Records finally closed its doors in 1976. In the label's short life span, it managed to chalk up hit after hit, many of them R&B staples, like the multi-million selling "Doing It To Death" by Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s. NOTE: The first five releases (catalogue numbers P2500 to P2504) were distributed by Starday-King. The remaining releases (PE600 to PE664) were distributed by Polydor. Current ownership is UMG Recordings Inc. Label variations are either in red or in purple. Promo 45 copies came on black and white labels, with a minority on green labels. For unofficial release please use People (9)