Keen Records was an American

independent record label An independent record label (or indie label) is a record label that operates without the funding or distribution of major record labels; they are a type of small- to medium-sized enterprise, or SME. The labels and artists are often represented ...

, founded by John and Alex Siamas in 1957 in

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

. John Siamas was a successful businessman in the aerospace industry, and, as a music aficionado, started Keen as a side business. They owned two other labels, Ensign and Andex, which shared the same numbering system with Keen.

Bob Keane Robert Verrill Kuhn (January 5, 1922 – November 28, 2009), professionally known as Bob Keane, and also sometimes known as Bob Keene, was an American musician, producer and the founder and owner of the record label Del-Fi Records. He was the ...

(later of

Del-Fi Records Del-Fi Records was an American record label based in Hollywood, California and owned by Bob Keane. The label's first single released was "Caravan" by Henri Rose released in 1958, but the label was most famous for signing Ritchie Valens. Valens' fi ...

) was with the label in its early days, but departed in late 1957. There was also a short-lived budget album label called "Famous" that reissued Keen material. The Famous albums were issued in the early 1960s, but it was likely owned by the same people, though it is not absolutely certain.

Robert "Bumps" Blackwell Robert Alexander "Bumps" Blackwell (May 23, 1918 – March 9, 1985) was an American bandleader, songwriter, arrangement, arranger, and record producer, best known for his work overseeing the early hit record, hits of Little Richard, as wel ...

was the A&R man. It was a black pop

label A label (as distinct from signage) is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about the product or item. Information printed dir ...

, featuring

Sam Cooke Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), known professionally as Sam Cooke, was an American singer and songwriter. Considered to be a pioneer and one of the most influential soul artists of all time, Cooke is commonly referred ...

and

Johnny "Guitar" Watson John Watson Jr. (February 3, 1935 – May 17, 1996), known professionally as Johnny "Guitar" Watson, was an American musician and singer-songwriter. A flamboyant showman and electric guitarist in the style of T-Bone Walker, his recording career ...

References

External links

Keen/Andex/Famous Labels Album Discography
American independent record labels Record labels established in 1957 Rhythm and blues record labels Blues record labels {{US-record-label-stub

See also

References

External links