// Workers AI · dad joke modeIs Eddie Singleton lonely? No, he's single-ton.
Eddie Singleton (December 1936 - June 2006) was an American recording artist, songwriter, producer, and music executive who founded Keith Records and Shrine Records and later as a major label A&R executive.[1] for producing soul music records on various labels, competing with Motown.[2][3]
Life and career
[edit]Born Edward Singleton in Illinois,[4] he was raised on gospel music. Eddie had a son named Keith, and relocated to New York City where he recorded a single, featuring "God Bless the Child" and "It's Not My Fault" (A-side and B-side) on the independent label, Joker Records (catalog number J-1001).[5]
Singleton established Keith Records around this time, named for his son, and based out of the Brill Building in Manhattan. In September 1961, Keith issued its first pressing, a single by the vocal group Dougie and the Dudes.[6] In 1962 and 1963, Keith issued several recordings of The Matadors and Oberia Martinez, the latter of whom became a cult figure within the northern soul and Belgian popcorn music scenes years later.[7]
By 1963, Motown Records had expanded into the northeast, opened a satellite office for its publishing arm, Jobete Music, hiring Singleton to recruit singers and songwriters, produce demo recordings for Motown, and co-manage the satellite office with Raynoma Gordy.[8][7] He and Raynoma Gordon, who would marry from 1966 to 1970, parted ways with Motown in 1964 and co-founded Ramitary Music, Red Carpet Management, and Shrine Records, operating out of New York City and Washington, D.C.[2] As a songwriter and producer, Singleton contributed to shaping the distinct mid-Atlantic soul sound that later became highly prized by international record collectors.[7]
In 1974, Singleton launched Americana Records, where he signed Rick James and former Motown vocalist Barbara Randolph.[9]
Audio production and major label
[edit]In the 1980s, he was signed by NTN Buzztime to manage movie soundtrack audio production[10] By 1996, he was the Director of A&R for the Black Music Division at Warner Records.[1] where he also conducted industry education and career workshops on behalf of the Songwriters Guild of America.[1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "A&R Report". Music Connection. Vol. XX, no. 12. June 10, 1996. p. 12. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- 1 2 "Raynoma Gordy & Eddie Singleton Form New Disk, Mgmt Complex". Cash Box. Vol. XXVI, no. 13. December 5, 1964. p. 38. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Rix, Andy (February 22, 2001). "Shrine - The full and first issue story". Soul Source. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Eddie Singleton Obituary". The Washington Post. June 14, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Eddie Singleton – God Bless The Child". Discogs. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Keith Records - Label Discography". 45cat. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Rix, Andy (February 22, 2001). "Shrine - The full and first issue story by Andy Rix". Soul Source. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Sammy Turner: "Only You"". Motown Junkies. July 11, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Americana Label Formed". Cash Box. Vol. XXXV, no. 41. February 23, 1974. p. 18. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Studio Line". Black Radio Exclusive. December 11, 1987. p. 14. Retrieved July 25, 2026.