Abbott Records
Small label that launched major country and pop careers.
Abbott Records was an American record label operated by music promoter and producer Fabor Robison from 1951 to about 1958. The label released mainly country and western music, rockabilly, and later mainstream pop vocal selections, achieving considerable chart success for a label of its modest means. It was founded after Robison discovered singer Johnny Horton and decided to create his own label, naming it after Abbott's drugstore chain, not the individual Sid Abbott.
Quick Facts
- Founder
- Fabor Robison
- Defunct
- 1958
- Genre
- Country / rockabilly
- Country
- U.S.
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Arkansas native Fabor Robison settled in Southern California and worked as a talent scout. In late 1949 or early 1950, he discovered singer Johnny Horton, who had won a talent contest in Texas. Robison placed Horton on Cliffie Stone's Hometown Jamboree program and set up a recording deal with Cormac Records, but that label soon folded. Disgusted, Robison founded his own label with investment from Abbott's drugstore chain, naming it after the chain. The label's first ten releases were devoted to Horton, though none attracted much attention, and in mid-1952 Robison sold Horton's contract to Mercury Records.
In 1952, Horton joined the Louisiana Hayride, and Robison began recording the Hayride's artist roster extensively. He took a special interest in singer Jim Reeves, leading Horton to drop Robison as manager; Robison then represented Reeves instead. Reeves' record 'Mexican Joe' became the first chart hit on Abbott. In 1953, Robison bought out the drugstore chain's share and founded the Fabor Records imprint as a subsidiary. Artists included Floyd Cramer, the Browns, Smiley Burnette, Dorsey Burnette, and Mitchell Torok, whose 'Caribbean' was Abbott's next chart hit. Many recordings were made at KWKH studios in Shreveport, with occasional use of Sun Studio in Memphis and Los Angeles studios.
Reader's Guide
Abbott Records holds significance as a launching pad for several major artists before they achieved wider fame, notably Jim Reeves and Billie Jo Spears. The label also brought to recordings lesser-known figures such as Rudy Grayzell, Bonnie Guitar, and Bobby Hart, making its rockabilly titles particularly sought after by collectors. Despite its modest size, Abbott achieved notable chart success, including the DeCastro Sisters' 'Teach Me Tonight,' which reached Number Two on the Billboard pop charts. The label's legacy is complicated by Fabor Robison's business practices, which were not fondly remembered by some artists, and by the fact that most of his talent achieved their greatest successes after leaving for other labels. Robison's unerring eye for talent is evident, but the label's artistic legacy remains secure through its early recordings of future stars.
Did You Know?
- The label's first chart hit was Jim Reeves' 'Mexican Joe'.
- Abbott Records released more than three albums, including compilations and other artists' works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Abbott Records and who ran it?
Abbott Records was a small American independent label active from 1951 to roughly 1958, run by promoter and producer Fabor Robison. It specialized in country and western, rockabilly, and later pop vocal recordings, punching well above its budget in chart performance.
Why is the label called Abbott Records if it has nothing to do with Sid Abbott?
The name comes from the Abbott's drugstore chain, not the country musician Sid Abbott. Robison simply borrowed the familiar drugstore name when he set up his own imprint after signing Johnny Horton.
Which early-career artists did Abbott Records put on record?
The label is best remembered for the first recordings of Jim Reeves, Johnny Horton, and the DeCastro Sisters. All three went on to much larger careers after their time with Robison's small operation.
What was Abbott Records' first chart hit?
'Mexican Joe' was the label's breakthrough single and the first Abbott Records release to crack the national charts. It demonstrated that Robison's modest outfit could compete with the major-label country acts of the early 1950s.
Why do fans and historians consider Abbott Records important?
Despite its short lifespan and limited resources, the label served as a springboard for several artists who became major country and pop stars. It stands as a classic example of a small independent imprint shaping the early rock-and-roll and country landscape.
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