Parrot (2)

1953-1956 Record label from Chicago, Illinois. -- For unofficial releases, see Parrot (3). Brief history: Arthur B. Leaner AKA Al Benson's most sustained effort at success in the record business was Parrot Records. The first Parrot single was released in limited quantities in November 1952. The Parrot Records company made its official launch in June 1953 and continued under Benson's ownership through March 1956. The new owner, John Burton, tried to keep the enterprise going until October 1956. In all, Parrot and its Blue Lake subsidiary recorded 285 known sides and leased another 10. 50 known singles were released on Parrot and another 19 on Blue Lake. In 1955, there was even a 12-inch Parrot LP, Ahmad Jamal Plays. Since John Henry "Lawyer" Burton was also the attorney for Chess Records, most Parrot items were leased to Chess over the years (how many were actually sold to Chess is unknown). ___________________________________________ First & Last releases under Al Benson's ownership: Parrot Records was the creation of noted Chicago DJ Al Benson (1908-1978) born Arthur Leaner in Jackson, Mississippi (USA) Parrot 1050 was the very first release: Parrot 1050, Worry Blues / I Don't Know Willie Mabon "I Don't Know" was released with the familiar Parrot logo on a blue background, in early in November 1952 (Even though the company made its official launch in June 1953) Parrot 822 was the last Parrot single to be issued before Al Benson sold the company to John "Lawyer" Burton in March 1956 Parrot 822 Tell It Like It Is / Uptown Stomp (Al Benson & Lewis Ogletree – 55-284 Tell It Like It Is / 55-285 Uptown Stomp) sold in both 45 and 78 rpm. Al Benson sold the Parrot record company to John "Lawyer" Burton in March 1956 who tried to keep the enterprise going until October 1956.