Sam Records was a classic disco label founded on Long Island City, New York in 1976 by Sam Weiss. Sam had a really strong seven year run until its demise at the end of 1983. In the late 70's The label scored early hits with The John Davis Monster Orchestra and Gary's Gang and for a time between 1978 and 1980 was distributed by Columbia records.

After the Columbia deal ended Sam returned as an independent label in 1980 with a bold new look for their 12 inch singles and a fresh sound. The crossover Italo sounding "Don't Stop" by German group K.I.D. was released in 1981. "Don't Stop" had a pumping bassline, sequenced synth's and a wicked vocoder line.

Later in 1981 Vicky "D" put out the massive cut "This Beat is Mine". In my opinion, this track is a sort of disco precursor to electro hits by Shannon and Debbie Deb. Vicky's raw, soaring vocals and the unfadeable synth hook are pure gold.

Husband and wife team Mike and Brenda Sutton put out several 12 inches on Sam culminating with the disco boogie burner "Don't Let Go of Me" in 1982. The dubbed out/pitch shifted vocals send this track into deep space.

Sadly, Sam Records folded in late 1983 as disco's star was commercially fading. The unfortunate thing is as disco's popularity waned the tracks only got better and better. damn.

mp3: K.I.D. "Don't Stop

mp3: Vicky "D" This Beat is Mine

mp3: Mike and Brenda Sutton "Don't Let Go of Me (Grip My Hips and Move Me)"