ARA Records was one of the many labels established by the Bihari brothers—Lester, Jules, Saul, and Joe—who were key figures in the transformation of rhythm and blues into rock and roll in the 1950s. The brothers founded Modern Records in Los Angeles in 1945 and later expanded their operations with several subsidiaries, including ARA Records. ARA was part of a network that also included RPM Records, Meteor Records (based in Memphis), and others. The Biharis played a major role in promoting and discovering significant blues and R&B artists such as B.B. King, Elmore James, and John Lee Hooker, often working closely with artists and making them feel accessible within the company.
ARA Records was one of the smaller labels within the Bihari empire, contributing to the broader success of Modern Records and its subsidiaries. The Biharis were known for their hands-on approach, with each brother responsible for different aspects of the business. Jules handled talent spotting, Saul took care of manufacturing, and Lester focused on distribution. They also frequently claimed songwriting credits through pseudonyms, adding their names to songs they had no direct involvement in writing, which allowed them to claim songwriting royalties alongside their other business ventures.
Although ARA Records and the other Bihari-run labels eventually saw decline, the Bihari brothers’ legacy lived on through their influence on the development of blues and R&B, especially as they nurtured the careers of some of the most influential artists of the genre.
ARA Records Discography
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