The 45 r.p.m. Resurrection and the Unveiling of S.t.a.r.r. Band

Robert Odell Jr. is a lyricist, songwriter, and singer who has performed with groups and as a solo artist.

S.T.A.R.R. band members, left to right, Napoleon Briggs, Rob, and James Huffman
Source: S.T.A.R.R. Official Scrapebook

A Note from Fortune Magazine

Fortune Magazine noted that since the late 1980s, 45 r.p.m. vinyl record sales surged. As a result, record collectors unveiled S.T.A.R.R. Band and other “unsung” artists whose works were discovered, rediscovered, and enjoyed.

The Record Became a Collector’s Item

In the 1990s, most record labels discontinued production of the 45 r.p.m. vinyl record. As a result, the 45 quickly become a collector’s item.

New Marketing Phenomena

Later, when a resurrection of interest in 45 r.p.m. records began, S.T.A.R.R. Band and other artists, especially those whose work had been largely unnoticed (“unsung”), became new marketing phenomena.

When the 45 r.p.m. vinyl record became a collectors item, S.T.A.R.R. Band and many other talented artists, whose work had been mostly "unsung," were unveiled, discovered, rediscovered, and enjoyed. — When the 45 r.p.m. vinyl record became a collectors item, S.T.A.R.R. Band and many other talented artists, whose work had been mostly “unsung,” were unveiled, discovered, rediscovered, and enjoyed.
Source: S.T.A.R.R. Archives/Zoomer Radio / Caricatures by Fredrick Virgous

The Appetite for Vinyl Grew

In the 1990s, appetites for vinyl records increased dramatically and continued to grow at a steady pace. In an April 16, 2016 article, Fortune Magazine noted that vinyl record sales were at their highest level preceding 1988.

An Exciting Quest

The quest to recapture the nostalgic hisses and pops of old school vintage music led many to rediscover accomplished and gifted artists who had left tremendous legacies recorded on 45 r.p.m. records. This led to the exciting discovery and rediscovery of many talented groups and artists whose work had been largely “unsung.”

The Meaning of the 45

The 45 r.p.m. vinyl record was introduced by RCA in 1949. Sound was recorded on a grooved, vinyl disc at 45 revolutions per minute. The disc had to be played on an electronic turntable (record player) at 45 revolutions per minute (r.p.m.).

The 45 r.p.m. vinyl record was introduced by RCA in 1949. The grooved, vinyl disc had to be played on an electronic turntable (record player) at 45 revolutions per minute (r.p.m.).
Source: gettyimages

It Was the Perfect Medium

The 7-inch disc was an ideal medium for releasing one song at a time ( a single) to the general public. The 45s were labeled and often placed in creatively designed record jackets.

Singles were often placed in creatively designed sleeves or jackets. Source: S.T.A.R.R. archives / Caricatures by Fredrick Virgous

Singles were often placed in creatively designed sleeves or jackets. Source: cd and lp

Singles were often placed in creatively designed sleeves or jackets. Source: ebay

How Many Songs Were on a Single?

Unlike the name implies, the single usually had two songs.There was one song on the front and one song on the back of the single. The front was called the “A” side and the back was called the “B” side. The most popular song was on the “A” side.

Sometimes the “B” side of the single would get played on the radio, catch on, and become more popular than the “A” side.

Facts About the 45 r.p.m. Single

A single was often selected from an LP (Long Play) vinyl record album. An LP contained about 20 minutes of music on each side and was played at 33 1/3 RPMs

A Single Was:

Released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats
Released separately from an album

Unlike the name implies; a single had two songs, one on the A-side and one on the B-side. Source: S.T.A.R.R. Band Official Scrap Book

Unlike the name implies; a single had two songs, one on the A-side and one on the B-side. Source: Vinyl Asylum

Usually appeared on an album
Was often the most popular song from an album
Released separately for promotional use and
In some cases was recorded for 45s only and did not appear on an album

Maria (Girl of My Dreams)

Performed by: Starr Band

Written arranged and produced by: James Huffman

Executive Producers: James Huffman, Franklin Odell, and Sylvester Lee.

Singles Were Fun

Before cassette tape players, CD’s, and MP3 players; 45s (also known as singles) along with portable, battery operated, 45 record players were the best way to have fun and share music with friends.

When the 45 r.p.m. vinyl record was introduced by RCA in 1949; 45s, also known as singles, and portable, battery operated, 45 record players were the best way to have fun and share music with friends.

Before cassette tape players, CD's and MP3 players; 45s and portable, battery operated, 45 record players were the best way to have fun and share music with friends. — Before cassette tape players, CD’s and MP3 players; 45s and portable, battery operated, 45 record players were the best way to have fun and share music with friends.

Advantages of 45 r.p.m. Records

45 r.p.m. records (also known as singles) were:

Very inexpensive (often less than a dollar)
Easy to share and collect
Could be easily transported anywhere

Appetites for 45s Increased

The 1980s ushered in the tape cassette era and 45 sales took a down turn. When the 1990s rolled in most record companies began to discontinue production of the 45. As the pressing of vinyl 45s decreased, the appetites of collectors for vintage 45 r.p.m. music increased. Soon, unsung artists like S.T.A.R.R. Band (who had made 45 r.p.m. records) received a fresh unveiling.

As the pressing of vinyl 45s decreased, the appetites of collectors for vintage 45 r.p.m. music increased. Soon, unsung artists like S.T.A.R.R. Band, who had made 45 r.p.m. records, received a fresh unveiling.

Gonna Make U Dance

Performed by: Starr Band

Written by: Robert Odell, Jr.

Produced by: James Huffman

Executive Producers: James Huffman, Franklin Odell, and Sylvester Lee.

Caricatures by Fredrick Virgous

45 r.p.m. Record Collectors Unveiled S.T.A.R.R.

The collectors of the 45 r.p.m. resurrection eventually unveiled a group of artists that called themselves S.T.A.R.R.

S.T.A.R.R. is an acronym for Sounds That Activate Rhythmic Reactions.

S.T.A.R.R. Band Quick Facts

S.T.A.R.R.:

Had roots in Chicago
Was named, The S.T.A.R.R. BAND, in 1980
Performed mostly in and around Memphis, Tennessee
Was an off shoot of another Memphis group called “The UA Band”

S.T.A.R.R. is an abbreviation for: Sounds That Activate Rhythmic Reactions.

Had as many as seven outstanding group members
Was considered to be a “Funk / R & B” group
Often called their music “Funk Jazz”
Eventually reduced to three members

S.T.A.R.R. had as many as seven members. Six members are shown here. Left to right: Darryl Jones, James Bolds, Napoleon Briggs, Rob, James Huffman, and Eddie Craft.
Source: S.T.A.R.R. Official Scrapbook

The First Album Began

In the early 1980s S.T.A.R.R. began work on their first album.

The group’s first album was intended to be released on the High Water label, which was housed on the campus of Memphis State University in Memphis, Tennessee. The producer, Dr. David Evans, was director of ethnomusicology at Memphis State University at the time.

S.T.A.R.R. spent many long hours in Memphis State's, then state of the art, studio as they prepared to release their first album on the anticipated High Water label. Shown here, left to right are S.T.A.R.R. Band members: Napoleon Briggs, and Rob — S.T.A.R.R. spent many long hours in Memphis State’s, then state of the art, studio as they prepared to release their first album on the anticipated High Water label. Shown here, left to right, are S.T.A.R.R. Band members: Napoleon Briggs and Rob.
Source: S.T.A.R.R. Band Archives

A Promotional Single

S.T.A.R.R. decided to release a single for promotional purposes first.

While working on the single, personal goals and responsibilities of many of the group’s members caused S.T.A.R.R. to compress to three members.

S.T.A.R.R. parted ties with the High Water label and later finished production of the single themselves at Cotton Row Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

Writers, Producers, and Artists

For years after their 45 r.p.m. record was produced the collective members of S.T.A.R.R. stayed active as song writers, musicians, performers, and producers.

The surge in 45 r.p.m. record sales caused S.T.A.R.R. to develop a new fan base…the 45 r.p.m., vinyl, single that S.T.A.R.R. produced began to thrive and circulate in the cyberspace of the 45 r.p.m. resurrection.

Individual members of S.T.A.R.R. performed with other musicians and groups and become solo artists and actors.

S.T.A.R.R. compressed to three members who produced their own single to promote their first album. Shown left to right are: Napoleon Briggs, Rob, and James Anthon Huffman — S.T.A.R.R. was reduced to three members, who released their own single to promote their first album. Shown left to right are: Napoleon Briggs, Rob, and James Anthon Huffman.
Source: S.T.A.R.R. Band Scrapbook

A Collector’s Passion for 45s

In the early 2000s a passionate 45 collector located and met with a S.T.A.R.R. band veteran. The fan offered to buy any and all 45s that the band member may have had. The fan left with some records but not all of them.

Are You a 45 rpm Record Collector?

Do you collect 45 rpm records?

Yes
No
Never thought about it.
Before now, I never knew what a 45 rpm record was.

A New Fan Base

The surge in 45 r.p.m. record sales caused S.T.A.R.R. to develop a new fan base. Many collectors discovered S.T.A.R.R.’s jazzy, funk rhythm for the first time. As a result, the 45 r.p.m., vinyl single that S.T.A.R.R. produced began to thrive and circulate in the cyberspace of the 45 r.p.m. resurrection.

Share Your Love

Written by: Robert Odell, Jr.

Produced by: James Huffman

Executive Producers: Franklin Odell, Robert Odell and James Huffman

Caricatures by Fredrick Virgous

Source

Morris, C. (2016, April 16). Vinyl sales are not just a hipster thing anymore. Fortune. Retrieved from https://fortune.com/2016/04/16/vinyl-sales-record-store-day/

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.