Lonnie Mack / The Charmaines Kent Misc

In the 1950s and 60s, the Cincinnati recording scene was dominated by Syd Nathan’s King label, whose R&B catalogue made it a major player among post-war independents. In its shadow was Fraternity, a smaller concern launched by Harry Carlson in 1954.

The well-respected Carlson set about building an artist roster which reflected his conservative musical taste, scoring smash hits by Cathy Carr and Jimmy Dorsey a couple of years later which established the label as an indie to be reckoned with.

Here, though, we spotlight decidedly non-MOR Fraternity recordings by influential guitar hero Lonnie Mack, soulful girl group the Charmaines, bluesy singer-guitarist Albert Washington, and female duo the 2 Of Clubs.

Side 1

01 Sa-Ba-Hoola - Lonnie Mack

02 Jealous Woman - Albert Washington & The Kings

Side 2

01 Rockin' Pneumonia - The Charmaines

02 Walk Tall Like A Man - 2 Of Clubs