Imperial Records 1946-1963

Imperial Records was founded in Los Angeles by Lew Chudd in 1946, with its first releases appearing in 1947. Chudd initially concentrated on Mexican, Latin, folk, and dance music before expanding into rhythm & blues and other popular genres.

Imperial became particularly important to New Orleans rhythm & blues after Chudd began working with producer, arranger, and musician Dave Bartholomew. Their partnership led to the signing of Fats Domino, whose recordings became central to Imperial’s success. The label’s roster also included Smiley Lewis, Roy Brown, T-Bone Walker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Slim Whitman, and Frankie Ford. In 1957, Imperial signed Ricky Nelson, who became another major star for the company.

During the 1960s, Chudd expanded the company by acquiring Aladdin Records in 1960 and Minit Records in 1963. Later that year, he sold Imperial to Liberty Records. The Imperial name continued under Liberty before eventually being phased out as the Liberty/United Artists corporate structure was consolidated.

Imperial’s catalog is particularly significant for its documentation of the development of New Orleans R&B and early rock & roll, with Fats Domino’s recordings forming one of the label’s most important legacies.

Imperial Records 1946-1963 Discography

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#1946-1963