1950s-1960s R&B and soul label from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Appears mostly as "Ric" only.
Ric Records, along with sister label label, were American record labels/distributors formed by Joe Ruffino in 1959.
Although most of Ric's releases did not rise above regional hits, the label was active during the golden era of New Orleans R&B and was an incubator for many artists who are now recognized as definers of the style. After his first taste of the music industry at A-1 Distributors, Joe Ruffino set out on his own with the Ric and Ron imprints, headquartered at 630 Baronne Street in New Orleans. The labels were named after Joe's two sons.
Ric Records was focused exclusively on releasing local New Orleans talent. Edgar Blanchard was brought on to help with studio arrangements, and supervised all early Ric studio sessions.
He was later replaced by Harold Battiste. John Mac Rebennack AKA "Dr. John" was also brought on as label president and helped with writing and producing.
Artists released on the label include Eddie Bo, Johnny Adams, Lenny Capello, Al Johnson, Tommy Ridgley and Joe Jones.
Joe Jones provided Ric with its only sizeable hit, "You Talk Too Much", which peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 in the fall of 1960. Unfortunately this record was the cause of some legal issues with New York City-based outfit Roulette Records, with which Joe Jones previously recorded a version of the tune.
Sister label Ron Records had a similar focus on local talent. Artists released include Professor Longhair (local favorite "Go To The Mardi Gras"), Irma Thomas, Bobby Mitchell, Eddie Lang (not to be confused with noted Jazz guitarist Eddie Lang) and Martha Carter.
After being discovered in a local club by Tommy Ridgley, Irma Thomas recorded her first single "(You Can Have My Husband but) Don't Mess with My Man" for Ron within a week. She is now recognized as an important American singer and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007. Ric and Ron folded in 1962 when Joe Ruffino died.