American 78s – The Last Year

In June 1959, Kent records issued one of its last 78 records: B.B.

Excello is well represented in the late American 78s department.

From October 1959 comes a very enjoyable gospel record by the Friendly Brothers.

I have written about the old 1950s model of covering current hits by no name singers and putting six songs (as opposed to two songs) on a single record to be purchased at a bargain price.

In January 1960 Checker records issued one of the last rock and roll songs to be issued on an American 78: Bo Diddley’s “Road Runner” backed with “My Story.”

We can always count on the Excello label to give us a late 78.

A couple of online discographies list Dale Hawkins’s “Poor Little Rhode Island” b/w “Every Little Girl” as being released on 78 in January 1960.

In April 1960 Vee-Jay records released “Don’t Drive Me Away” backed with “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” by the legendary Staples Singers gospel group.

From September 1959, here is Jerry Butler’s “I Was Wrong” backed with “Couldn’t Go To Sleep” on Abner records.

A very late American 78 rpm record from May 1960 has recently been unearthed and sold online for only $19.