One of the most iconic names in popular music, that of Stax Records, is about to return to common use after it was announced that the legendary soul and R&B label is to start producing music again, in time for its 50th anniversary.
Once home to artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Booker T and the MGs, Stax enjoyed its heyday in the late 1960's, but had gone bankrupt by 1976. Concord Records acquired the company two years ago and has been planning for this relaunch ever since.
"This is an opportunity to fill the void for real soul and R&B," said John Burk of Concord Records yesterday. "There was a real spirit, and ideally we'd like to see that among the artists on Stax again."
To that end, Stax is set to release not only catalogue material but new music too. Amongst the artists already signed are soul singer Angie Stone and Isaac Hayes, who recorded for the label in the 1970's. More acts, perhaps including other artists from the Stax golden age, are expected to follow.
"Stax always has been and always will be soul music. I was a part of that," said Hayes, whose 1969 album Hot Buttered Soul was one of the label's biggest hits. "I am coming back to Stax because there is still so much to do. It's like coming home."
