WMOT Records
Encyclopedia
WMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition (see Philadelphia soul
). It was founded by Steve Bernstein, Alan Rubens, and David Chacker in 1975.
The best selling record among those produced by WMOT was Double Dutch Bus
by Frankie Smith
, which hit number one on the Billboard soul chart and sold more than 2 million copies. Other WMOT artists include: Count Coolout, Barbara Mason
, Captain Sky
, Funk Fusion Band, Bliss, Major Harris
, Heaven and Earth, and Fat Larry's Band
.
From its beginning, Atlantic Records
had been distributing its releases. In 1978, Fantasy Records
took over distribution of its releases as Fantasy WMOT Records. In 1980, it began distributing independently.
In 1981, it was sold to Michael Goldberg, Allen Cohen, and Jeff and Mark Salvarian. Two years later, Larry Lavin bought a stake in WMOT and it was his activity in the company that led to lawsuits over money laundering in 1984 that brought the company down. Its back Catalogs were sold to CBS (now Sony Music).
Philadelphia soul
Philadelphia soul, sometimes called the Philadelphia Sound or Sweet Philly, is a style of soul music characterized by funk influences and lush instrumental arrangements, often featuring sweeping strings and piercing horns. The subtle sound of a glockenspiel can often be heard in the background of...
). It was founded by Steve Bernstein, Alan Rubens, and David Chacker in 1975.
The best selling record among those produced by WMOT was Double Dutch Bus
Double Dutch Bus (song)
"Double Dutch Bus" is a 1981 funk song by Frankie Smith, made famous for its extensive use of the "izz" infix form of slang.-Original version:...
by Frankie Smith
Frankie Smith
For the football player of the same name see Frankie Smith .Franklyn Leon "Frankie" Smith is an American funk musician and R&B/soul songwriter.-History:...
, which hit number one on the Billboard soul chart and sold more than 2 million copies. Other WMOT artists include: Count Coolout, Barbara Mason
Barbara Mason
Barbara Mason is an American R&B/soul singer best known for her 1965 hit song, "Yes, I'm Ready".-Career:A soul singer, Mason initially focused on songwriting when she entered the music industry in her teens...
, Captain Sky
Captain Sky
Daryl L. Cameron , better known as Captain Sky, is an American musician and singer. Captain Sky’s funk-based musical style, futuristic costumes, and psychedelic imagery are similar to those of George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and other Parliament/Funkadelic projects...
, Funk Fusion Band, Bliss, Major Harris
Major Harris (singer)
Major Harris is an American R&B singer, associated with the Philadelphia soul sound.-Career:...
, Heaven and Earth, and Fat Larry's Band
Fat Larry's Band
Fat Larry's Band was an American R&B/funk band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who enjoyed some commercial success in the early 1980s.-Career:...
.
From its beginning, Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
had been distributing its releases. In 1978, Fantasy Records
Fantasy Records
Fantasy Records is a United States-based record label that was founded by Max and Sol Weiss in 1949 in San Francisco, California. They had previously operated a record-pressing plant called Circle Record Company before forming the Fantasy label...
took over distribution of its releases as Fantasy WMOT Records. In 1980, it began distributing independently.
In 1981, it was sold to Michael Goldberg, Allen Cohen, and Jeff and Mark Salvarian. Two years later, Larry Lavin bought a stake in WMOT and it was his activity in the company that led to lawsuits over money laundering in 1984 that brought the company down. Its back Catalogs were sold to CBS (now Sony Music).