As the founder of the independent label Specialty Records, he helped set the table for the rock ’n’ roll era by signing performers like Little Richard.
Art Rupe, a record mogul whose independent Specialty label became a force in early rock, soul and gospel music and who helped discover Little Richard and Sam Cooke, died April 15 at his home in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was 104.
Signifyin(g) Traditions and Techniques in Blues and Gospel The myriad forms of Black Music|African-American popular music – gospel, jazz, blues, hip-h.