Twilight Singers, Sensational Family Singers, E L Burtis remembered on new box set

A RECORD label based in Memphis who from 1967 to 1977 released between 400 and 500 gospel singles has been celebrated in a four disc box set. 'The Soul Of Designer Records' features tracks from largely obscure African American artists such as Twilight Singers, Sensational Family Singers, E L Burtis, Joe Townsend, the Four Stars and many more. The detailed sleevenote accompanying the set, released by Big Legal Mess Records, documents how Designer Records asked for a payment of $469.50 so that unknown gospel groups could record two tracks in the studio. Session musician and producer Roland Janes spoke about the practice of Designer's owner Style Wooton. "His attitude was: 'Come in and cut a record and I'll give you 25 copies. When you sell those come back and buy another 25.'" CR

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