Black Jazz Records T-Shirt

Independent record label founded in 1969 by pianist Gene Russell and percussionist Dick Schory in Oakland, California. Operating primarily from 1971 to 1975, it released exactly 20 albums that defined the era's fusion of spiritual jazz, funk, and soul. The label was established as an alternative to the major mainstream labels, focusing on showcasing young African-American talent and a more political, spiritual sound. Interest surged in the 1990's when artists like A Tribe Called Quest and Ice Cube sampled the catalog.