Swan Records
Swan Records opened its doors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during 1957. Bob Crewe and Frank Slay built the company as staff producers and writers. Their work drove the label's initial chart success. Dickie Doo and the Don'ts released "Click Clack" in February 1958. This track reached the top 30 on the Billboard charts. Billy & Lillie achieved a higher peak with their song "La Dee Dah." That single hit number nine in January 1958. It became Swan Records' first top-10 hit. Mary Swan recorded "My Heart Belongs to Only You" in 1958. She followed that with a moderate hit called "Prisoner of Love" in 1959. The label bore the message "Don't drop out" on many releases. This slogan encouraged kids to stay in school.
EMI leased the rights to release the Beatles' recording of "She Loves You" in America. Capitol Records had declined to exercise its option for the singles. EMI issued the record under catalogue number Swan 4152. The single became an American number one hit on the 21st of March 1964. This event kept Swan going while other small labels struggled against the British Invasion. The label also assumed rights to the German version titled "Sie Liebt Dich." That track peaked at number 97 during 1964. Dick Clark held a financial investment in the company before the payola scandals broke. He divested himself of all outside interests to avoid conflict of interest. The success of this single saved the label from early failure.
Freddy Cannon was the most successful artist on the label. He scored hits with "Tallahassee Lassie" and "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans." Cannon moved to Warner Brothers in 1964. Chuck Barris wrote the song "Palisades Park" which became Swan's most remembered hit after the Beatles. The Rockin' Rebels released their lone instrumental hit called "Wild Weekend." Buffalo WKBW radio disc jockey Tommy Shannon used it as his night show theme. Syracuse disc jockey Jimmy O'Brien played the track on WNDR in Syracuse, New York. This attracted attention from Swan Records. The re-release became a national hit. Link Wray had a modest hit at Swan with "Jack The Ripper." He was best known for his classic 1958 instrumental "Rumble." The Three Degrees recorded a cover of the Five Keys' "Close Your Eyes" for the label.
Bernie Binnick and Tony Mammarella co-owned Swan Records. Dick Clark reported having a financial investment in the operation. When the payola scandals of the early 1960s broke, Clark divested himself of all outside interests. The label was distributed by Cameo-Parkway Records. That company was the hottest label for teenage dance crazes at the time. They released hits like "The Twist," "Limbo Rock," and "(Do) The Bird." Other tracks included "Wah-Watusi," "Mashed Potato Time," and "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)." The distribution deal helped move product across the country. The scandal forced Clark to remove his name from the ownership structure completely.
Bruce Spizer published a book titled The Beatles Swan Song: 'She Loves You' & Other Records in 2007. It contains a detailed account of the records of The Beatles on the Swan label. The text covers United Artists, Decca, Atco, MGM, and Polydor releases as well. A section details Capitol releases from the 1970s and 1980s. Freddy Cannon maintains current ownership claims to his specific recordings. The label's history survives through these modern documentation efforts. External links preserve discography data from BSN Pubs. Websites dedicated to Swan and Lawn Records keep the legacy alive today.
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Common questions
When did Swan Records open its doors in Philadelphia?
Swan Records opened its doors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during 1957. Bob Crewe and Frank Slay built the company as staff producers and writers.
What was the first top-10 hit released by Swan Records?
Billy & Lillie achieved a higher peak with their song La Dee Dah which hit number nine in January 1958. It became Swan Records' first top-10 hit.
How did EMI release The Beatles She Loves You on the Swan label?
EMI leased the rights to release the Beatles recording of She Loves You in America under catalogue number Swan 4152. The single became an American number one hit on the 21st of March 1964.
Who owned Swan Records before Dick Clark divested his interests?
Bernie Binnick and Tony Mammarella co-owned Swan Records while Dick Clark held a financial investment in the company. When the payola scandals of the early 1960s broke Clark divested himself of all outside interests.
Which artist scored the most hits for Swan Records before moving to Warner Brothers?
Freddy Cannon was the most successful artist on the label who scored hits with Tallahassee Lassie and Way Down Yonder in New Orleans. Cannon moved to Warner Brothers in 1964.