Launched by legendary music industry executive Art Rupe in the mid-1940s, the Los Angeles-based Specialty Records emerged as one of the most important independent labels for African-American music in the twentieth century.
Recognizing that competing with major record companies was a losing battle, Rupe headed to Central Avenue, the center of L.
A.\'s black community, where he spent $200 on what were then known as "race records." He carefully analyzed each, developing his own formula for a succe.
Launched by legendary music industry executive Art Rupe in the mid-1940s, the Los Angeles-based Specialty Records emerged as one of the most important independent labels for African-American music in the twentieth century