Hit Records (4)

Nashville-based label founded in 1962 by producer William Beasley which specialized in releasing cover versions on 45 RPM singles usually sold for a list price of 39 cents (less than half the price of the major label originals) in five-and-dime stores and supermarkets. They also had a sub-label called Giant Records (12) and Country & Western Hits which released cover versions of the country hits of the day. Its Nashville home base gave the label access to top-notch musicians and vocalists (many of which cut their teeth working on these cover versions including Ray Stevens, Sam Moore (later of Sam And Dave), Sandy Posey and Bobby Russell). Dick Martin (3) (of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In fame is also alleged to have done novelty record covers for the company. The company, facing competition from Pickwick among other budget labels, shut down in 1969.