Known for having many successful blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul artists, some of the labels most notable are Jimmy Reid, Jerry Butler, John Lee Hooker and Betty Everett.
After being turned down by Chess Records, Jimmy Reid, a a Chicago slaughterhouse worker, decided to ask for a recording session at Vee-Jay. Blown way by both his electric blues style and songwriting capability, Vee-Jay released his first hit record” You Don’t Have to Go”. Reid is known to have influenced the likes of Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones.
Originally a member of The Impressions, Jimmy Butler left the group and stayed at Vee-Jay Records to become one the labels biggest stars. Some of his biggest hits include “He Will Break Your Heart” and “Moon River”.
Although Vee-Jay is primarily known as a Rhythm and Blues record label, they also had significant success with pop, rock, and rock and roll acts. Some of these acts include The Four Seasons and The Beatles. The Four Seasons were .The groups biggest hit was “Shelby” . However, as the song began gaining more popularity, Vee-Jay did not have the proper funds to press more copies of the record. In need of more funds, Vee-Jay decided to sign The Beatles. Passed on by Capital Records, Vee-Jay received the rights to the British groups early music recordings, and went on to sell 2.5 million copies nationwide.