Lew Chudd

Lew Chudd (1911–1998) was an American record executive, radio producer, and founder of Imperial Records. Born Louis Cudnofsky in Toronto, Canada, Chudd grew up in New York and entered the broadcasting business in the 1930s. He joined NBC as an advertising salesman and became involved with the network’s popular Let’s Dance program, which featured Benny Goodman and his orchestra. He later headed NBC’s Los Angeles bureau and worked for the Office of War Information during World War II.

In 1946, Chudd founded Imperial Records in Los Angeles. The label initially recorded Mexican and Latin American music, folk music, and other specialty genres before expanding into rhythm & blues and country music. In 1949, Chudd traveled to New Orleans, where producer and bandleader Dave Bartholomew introduced him to pianist and singer Fats Domino. Chudd signed Domino to Imperial, beginning one of the label’s most successful artist relationships.

Under Chudd’s direction, Imperial became a major force in New Orleans rhythm & blues and early rock & roll. The label’s roster included Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, T-Bone Walker, Slim Whitman, Ricky Nelson, and Frankie Ford. Chudd also expanded the company by acquiring Aladdin Records in 1961 and Minit Records in 1963.

In 1963, Chudd sold Imperial to Liberty Records. He subsequently left the record business and became involved in radio-station ownership. Chudd died in Los Angeles in 1998 at the age of 86. His work at Imperial helped establish New Orleans R&B as an important part of the emerging rock & roll era.