Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Charts Reflected Unprecedented Dominance

In a story surpassing all record companies achievements and may sound beyond the sphere of today's music industry accomplishments, Atlantic Records blanketed the charts in 1972 with unprecedented dominance. A summary reflecting that magical period is documented in the company's weekly newsletter titled The Atlantic Bulletin listed below. (double-click to enlarge)


Today's charts reflect a totally different pattern with the supremacy of one record label appearing to be a fantasy accomplishment. Stories of this dominance seem to be untrue. But think about it for a moment, a record label with the leading artist; Roberta Flack, Stephen Stills & Manassas, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, YES, Donny Hathaway, David Crosby & Graham Nash, Cream, George Carlin, Dr. John, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Derek & The Domino's, Jo Jo Gunne, Jackson Browne and ...The Rolling Stones! That's quite a remarkable feat and unsurpassed nowadays in the record industry. As those accomplishments became apparent, the promotion and marketing team supporting this magnitude of chart dominance earned the industry nickname as being referred to as the "Heavies." The word of their new found popularity spread quickly as the team of "Heavies" hit the road to promote their status with successful Softball and Football teams playing games across the country for numerous charities.
From Hartford, CT to New Orleans, the "Heavies" were all over the road with teams raising money for various charities and fund raisers. Seen below (center) are Atlantic's Dave Glew, Jerry Greenberg, Dick Kline, Vince Faraci and Phillip Rauls (sitting center below) and Walter Moorehead as the "Heavies" are giving something back to support the local communities.

Radio personalities in this photo include; Bill Thomas; WNOE, Mike Green; WTIX, Larry Ryan; KEEL, Bob Mitchell; WTIX. (photograph courtesy Billboard Magazine)

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thought that I'd make you jealous as we are going to the Peabody rooftop tomorrow night to see Booker T. and the MG's, and the good reverend Al Green!

Only in Memphis.

Terry

8:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Phillip,

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your posting on Atlantic Records. Pat just sent it to me. I also was sent your email of the Stax Years and I forwarded that to many of the Atlantic Records people that I worked with and knew would absolutely love seeing the photos and the written information. What a gift.

Thank you for making me smile, and have a great day.

Kay

8:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the memories, especially from one who worked at Atlantic Studios - the Assembled Multitude, Al Jackson, Tom Dowd, Jim Stewart and all the rest. Theresa Dean, Atlantic 1970-1990

8:17 PM  

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