Various Darrow Fletcher Presents Jacklyn & Genna Records

(Kent Records) 14 tracks

Jacklyn Records is famous among soul record collectors thanks to three great singles by Darrow Fletcher that were released in the mid-1960s. The label was owned and run by his father, Johnny Haygood. For seven years, it provided Chicago soul fans with many great records.

As is often the case with small labels, it’s the virtually unknown artists who provide the highlights—in this case, Pam Colquitt and Bobbie Brown, who each released only one single but delivered two great tracks each. The far better-known blues veteran Mighty Joe Young skillfully ventured into soul on his two tracks, and Chicago studio musician and arranger Joe Savage received his only credit as an artist on the successful instrumental piece (with vocal interludes) “All Power To The People.” Together, these recordings form a fascinating and entertaining chapter in the rich history of Chicago soul music.