Midwestern Independents

King - founded in Cincinnati, Ohio by Sydney Nathan in 1945
Rhythm and Blues (instrumental): Tiny Bradshaw, Lucky Millinder. Todd Rhodes, Bill Doggett, Big Jay McNeeley, Sonny Thompson, Earl Bostic
Vocal: Royal Brown, Wynonie Harris, Bullmoose Jackson, Little Willie Littlefield, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Jimmy Witherspoon.Annie Laurie, Lula Reed
Country and Western: Moon Mullican, Cowboy Copus, Grandpa Jones, Delmore Brothers, Hackshaw Hawkins, Wayne Raney, Hank Penny, Jimmie Osborne, Clyde Moody
Groups: Royals, Platters, Midnighters, Dominoes, "5" Royals, Otis Williams and the Charms
Gospel Blues: Little Willie John, James Brown
Rock and Roll: Hank Ballard, Mac Curtis, Hayden Thompson, Charlie Feathers, Latie Moore, Bonnie Lou, Boyd Bennett and the Rockets.

Chess - founded 1947 in Chicago by Leonard and Phil Chess. First called Aristocrat: Renamed Chess in 1949
Rhythm and Blues: Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, John lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, Willie Mabon, Gene Ammons, Eddie Boyd
Groups: Moonglows
Rock and Roll: Chuck Berry, Bobby Charles, Johnnie and Joe, Monotones

Checker-formed 1953
Blues- Little Walter, Lowell Fulson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Milton
Groups: Flamingos, Tune Weavers
Rock and Roll -Bo Diddley, Dale Hawkins

Argo founded 1956
Rock and Roll: Clarence "Frogman" Henry

Vee Jay formed in !953 by Vivian Carter and James Bracken. Producers: Calvin Carter , Al Smith
Blues - Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Rosco Gordon,.Big Jay McNeely, Gene Allison
Doo-Wop Groups - Spaniels, Eldorados, Dells, Magnificents, Impressions
Rhythm and Blues - Dee Clark, Gene Chandler

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