Red House Records: A Legacy of Independent Folk Music
In the world of independent music, few labels have championed the spirit of the folk tradition as steadfastly as Red House Records. Founded on the principle of artistic freedom, the label became a sanctuary for musicians who prioritized creative integrity over commercial hits, helping to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of the American Midwest and beyond.
The Origins of Red House
The label takes its name from a farmhouse in Iowa where its founder, Brown, resided during the company's inception. Following the release of Brown's albums 44 & 66 and The Iowa Waltz between 1981 and 1982, the label entered a brief period of dormancy. This changed in 1983 when Brown connected with Bob Feldman and Susan Ode, who began producing concerts to promote Brown and other folk musicians.
As Brown's career expanded—specifically through his regular appearances on the radio program A Prairie Home Companion—Bob Feldman assumed the operational leadership of the record label. Feldman established a business philosophy centered on providing a supportive environment where creative artists could produce albums with total freedom, intentionally avoiding the interference of industry "moguls" seeking only the next hit single. The label's restart was marked by the release of Brown's album, In the Dark with You.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Growth and Artistic Expansion
Initially, Red House focused on the talent within the upper Midwest. Early artists included Spider John Koerner, Prudence Johnson, Peter Ostroushko, Rio Nido, Jorma Kaukonen, and John Gorka. As the music industry shifted from vinyl records to compact discs (CDs), the label expanded its reach, signing established artists from across the United States.
The label's roster grew to include legendary performers such as Utah Phillips, Tom Paxton, Norman Blake, Eliza Gilkyson, Loudon Wainwright III, Robin and Linda Williams, Cliff Eberhardt, and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. This commitment to quality resulted in significant critical acclaim and industry recognition.
Awards and Critical Success
Red House Records has seen its artists achieve prestigious milestones. In 1996, Ramblin' Jack Elliott's South Coast won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Later, in 2007, Cliff Eberhardt's The High Above and the Down Below was recognized by USA Today as one of the top five albums of the year. Additionally, the label has earned approximately twelve Indie Awards from the Association for Independent Music (A2IM).
Beyond individual artist albums, the label produced several compilations, including A Nod to Bob, a tribute from the Minnesota-based label to a favorite native son.
Leadership Transition and Acquisition
Bob Feldman led the company with his vision of artistic independence until his health declined in late 2005. He passed away on January 11, 2006, at the age of 56, shortly after stepping away from his professional duties.
The label's operational structure changed significantly in November 2017 when it was purchased by the Nashville-based Compass Records Group. Following this acquisition, the label's original operations in St. Paul were closed.
Key Facts
- Founded by: Brown, later operated by Bob Feldman.
- Core Philosophy: Total creative freedom for artists without corporate interference.
- Major Achievement: Ramblin' Jack Elliott's South Coast won a 1996 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.
- Industry Recognition: Recipient of roughly 12 A2IM Indie Awards.
- Final Transition: Acquired by Compass Records Group in November 2017.
| Period/Year | Event/Achievement | Key Figure/Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Label restart and operational shift | Bob Feldman |
| 1996 | Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album | Ramblin' Jack Elliott |
| 2006 | Passing of long-time leader | Bob Feldman |
| 2007 | USA Today Top 5 Album of the Year | Cliff Eberhardt |
| 2017 | Acquisition by Compass Records Group | Compass Records Group |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the name Red House Records come from?
The label was named after a farmhouse in Iowa where the founder, Brown, lived when the label was first started.
What was Bob Feldman's approach to managing artists?
Feldman believed in providing a home and environment where creative artists could record albums in total freedom, specifically avoiding the interference of industry executives focused solely on hit singles.
Which Red House release won a Grammy Award?
Ramblin' Jack Elliott's album South Coast won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 1996.
What happened to the label's St. Paul operations?
The St. Paul operations were shuttered in November 2017 after the label was purchased by the Compass Records Group in Nashville.
How many Indie Awards has the label won?
Recordings from the label have won approximately a dozen Indie Awards from the Association for Independent Music (A2IM).