Ardent Records
Encyclopedia
Ardent Records, often shortened to "Ardent," is a Memphis
record label
founded by John Fry in 1959. Ardent of the 1960s and 1970s featured pop music
acts and was distributed by Stax Records
from 1972 until 1975. It is best remembered today for Big Star, whose first two albums, released in 1972 and 1974, helped define the style known as power pop
. The label was initially an attempt by the R&B-focused Stax to move into rock music
, but distribution problems prevented any releases from succeeding. Big Star became widely known through 80s reissues and the long delayed first release of Third/Sister Lovers
, recorded in 1974.
The label was revived in the 1990s with two divisions: Alternative Mainstream and Contemporary Christian. Former Big Star guitarist Alex Chilton
released recordings on the Ardent mainstream division, which also released recordings by bands such as Spot, Jolene, Two Minutes Hate, The Idlewilds, Neighborhood Texture Jam, and Techno-Squid Eats Parliament. The mainstream division of Ardent Records was closed in the mid-1990s.
Ardent's Christian label issued its first Christian releases in 1995. Initial projects included albums from Big Tent Revival
, Skillet
, and Smalltown Poets
. To date, Ardent Records has released more than 35 albums by artists such as Skillet
, Todd Agnew
, Jonah33
, Smalltown Poets
, Satellite Soul, Clear, All Together Separate
, Brother's Keeper, Justifide, Before You Breathe, NonFiction and Joy Whitlock. In 2005, Ardent inked a deal with INO Records, a division of Integrity Media
, to distribute and market its entire roster.
The label's albums are recorded at Ardent Studios
in Memphis.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
founded by John Fry in 1959. Ardent of the 1960s and 1970s featured pop music
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
acts and was distributed by Stax Records
Stax Records
Stax Records is an American record label, originally based in Memphis, Tennessee.Founded in 1957 as Satellite Records, the name Stax Records was adopted in 1961. The label was a major factor in the creation of the Southern soul and Memphis soul music styles, also releasing gospel, funk, jazz, and...
from 1972 until 1975. It is best remembered today for Big Star, whose first two albums, released in 1972 and 1974, helped define the style known as power pop
Power pop
Power pop is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are...
. The label was initially an attempt by the R&B-focused Stax to move into rock music
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
, but distribution problems prevented any releases from succeeding. Big Star became widely known through 80s reissues and the long delayed first release of Third/Sister Lovers
Third/Sister Lovers
Third, also issued as Sister Lovers, is the third rock album by American power pop group Big Star, recorded in 1974 and eventually released in 1978 by PVC Records...
, recorded in 1974.
The label was revived in the 1990s with two divisions: Alternative Mainstream and Contemporary Christian. Former Big Star guitarist Alex Chilton
Alex Chilton
William Alexander "Alex" Chilton was an American songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer, best known as the lead singer of the Box Tops and Big Star...
released recordings on the Ardent mainstream division, which also released recordings by bands such as Spot, Jolene, Two Minutes Hate, The Idlewilds, Neighborhood Texture Jam, and Techno-Squid Eats Parliament. The mainstream division of Ardent Records was closed in the mid-1990s.
Ardent's Christian label issued its first Christian releases in 1995. Initial projects included albums from Big Tent Revival
Big Tent Revival
Big Tent Revival was a five-time Grammy-nominated Christian blues rock band. They began in 1991 and disbanded in 2000. They did extensive touring in the U.S. and abroad and they were featured at the Harvest Crusades. Their music was known for catchy riffs, distortion, and softer acoustic...
, Skillet
Frying pan
A frying pan, frypan, or skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is typically in diameter with relatively low sides that flare outwards, a long handle, and no lid. Larger pans may have a small grab handle opposite the main handle...
, and Smalltown Poets
Smalltown Poets
Smalltown Poets is a Christian rock band formed in 1996. It was formed in Atlanta, Georgia by high school friends Michael Johnston , Danny Stephens , and Byron Goggin , along with Nashville musicians Kevin Breuner , and Miguel DeJesus .Smalltown Poets achieved recognition with their eponymous...
. To date, Ardent Records has released more than 35 albums by artists such as Skillet
Skillet (band)
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
, Todd Agnew
Todd Agnew
Todd Agnew is a Contemporary Christian musician and songwriter.-Musical career:Agnew's best-known song is a version of the hymn "Amazing Grace" called "Grace Like Rain" that was featured on his first album, Grace Like Rain, released in June 2003. Agnew wrote this song with his friend, Chris Collins...
, Jonah33
Jonah33
Jonah33 was a Christian hard rock band from Arkansas, USA. They released three full-length albums before disbanding in late 2009.-History:Jonah33 was founded by Vince Lichlyter, who grew up in Seattle, Washington. After moving to Arkansas and starting up a student ministry there, he put together a...
, Smalltown Poets
Smalltown Poets
Smalltown Poets is a Christian rock band formed in 1996. It was formed in Atlanta, Georgia by high school friends Michael Johnston , Danny Stephens , and Byron Goggin , along with Nashville musicians Kevin Breuner , and Miguel DeJesus .Smalltown Poets achieved recognition with their eponymous...
, Satellite Soul, Clear, All Together Separate
All Together Separate
All Together Separate was a Christian rock band from Riverside, California, USA. They are frequently compared to Earth, Wind and Fire.-History:...
, Brother's Keeper, Justifide, Before You Breathe, NonFiction and Joy Whitlock. In 2005, Ardent inked a deal with INO Records, a division of Integrity Media
Integrity Media
Integrity Media is a privately held media communications company that publishes and distributes Christian music, films and related materials. The corporate offices are located in Mobile, Alabama, with subsidiary offices in Tennessee and foreign offices in Singapore, South Africa and the United...
, to distribute and market its entire roster.
The label's albums are recorded at Ardent Studios
Ardent Studios
Ardent Studios is a recording studio located in Memphis, Tennessee. Ardent Records/Ardent Music is the in-house label.- History :Ardent Studios was founded by John Fry and was initially a studio in his family's garage, where he recorded his first Ardent Records 45's. In 1966 the operation moved...
in Memphis.
Ardent Records Artist List
The following artists either are performing or have performed under the Ardent label.Current - Christian
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Former - Christian
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Former - Mainstream
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