V Records

Independent Canadian label with a branch office in St. Paul, Minnesota U.S.A., issuing mainly Ukrainian and polka music. Founded in 1962 by Winnipeg record producer Alec Groshak. When Groshak heard Mickey And Bunny Sheppard performing their country and western act, he approached them to record some versions of their music in Ukrainian. With the discovery of "Mickey and Bunny", Groshak launched a new record label, V Records, which was initially devoted to Ukrainian artists. Eventually the label repackaged and distributed work by German, Polish and Scandinavian artists, as well as American polka acts such as Frankie Yankovic. "Mickey and Bunny" albums sold in the tens of thousands, and based on this success, an entire Ukrainian recording industry developed in western Canada. The V Records catalogue grew to over 150 items. V Records issued what is possibly the most sought after Canadian collectible — The Sultan, issued in 1963 — Neil Young's first 45 released when he was 17. Squires single is the only rock n' roll record V Records released. Label was also spelled "V-Records" on some albums.