Len Stark
{{About|the record producer|the Judge|Leonard P. Stark}}
{{short description|American filmmaker, host and broadcaster}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Len Stark
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| birth_name = Leonard Stark
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| nationality = American
| other_names =
| occupation = Record producer
| known_for = Record production, composer, record label owner
| notable_works =
}}
Len Stark was a Philadelphia-based record label owner, composer and producer. He founded the Melron Records label which acts such as William Penn and the Quakers, Essau, Rocky Brown, Bobby Eli, Pheasants and Colly Williams recorded for.
Background
Stark was the owner of Melron Records, a label he established in 1961.A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZS9dzY9PvfIC&q=Melron&pg=PA281 Page 281]The Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, December 6, 1980 - [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/171796524/ Page 2 With song, he seeks air time] He also ventured into recording himself and recorded "Maybe I'm Just Foolish".Roots Vinyl Guide - [https://www.rootsvinylguide.com/ebay_items/rockabilly-teen-ballad-acetate-45-len-stark-maybe-i-m-just-foolish-melron-hear Rockabilly/Teen Ballad Acetate 45 LEN STARK Maybe I'm Just Foolish MELRON HEAR] Years later in 2012, it would be released on the Rockin' & Boppin' Billy In Philly various artists compilation.Spotify - [https://open.spotify.com/album/1zuTZiHD7RJJ1vBf20gl4C Rockin' & Boppin' Billy in Philly] Stark was writing songs while working at an 8pm till 4am job as a produce checker for Samuel P. Mandell & Company at the Pennsylvania Produce Terminal, a job he had been working at for the past six years.The International Teamster, November 1956 - [https://archive.org/details/ibt_magazine_195611/page/n29/mode/2up/search/Stark Page 29 Teamster Topics, Teamster Songwriter]
Career
Stark was writing music as early as 1956. By November that year, Stark and Dan Franklin who was his Hollywood-based music partner had a composition recorded by a well-known group, The Clips. "Kiss Away" was released that year on Calvert 105.Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - [https://books.google.com/books?id=L4ghJfL5iBIC&dq=Calvert+105+The+Clips&pg=PA95 Clips (Nashville, Tenn)]The International Teamster, November 1956 - [https://archive.org/details/ibt_magazine_195611/page/n29/mode/2up/search/Stark Page 29 Teamster Topics, Teamster Songwriter]Popsike - [https://www.popsike.com/The-Clips-Kiss-Away-Let-Me-Get-Close-To-You-Baby-CALVERT-doo-wop/181662636007.html The Clips - Kiss Away / Let Me Get Close To You Baby - CALVERT doo wop] Having established the Melron in 1961,The Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, December 6, 1980 - [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/171796524/ Page 2 With song, he seeks air time] Stark had an album and several singles out on his label that year with the artists on his roster. The album was by the Christian Lights. One of the singles was by the Israelites, a new gospel group he was working with. The single they had released was "I'm Building a Home". Other singles were by Lori Ann with "Bobby", The Allures with "Lovin' Him" and Danny Bassett with "If You Want Me".Record World, Vol. 21, No. 1021 February 11, 1961 - [https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Record-World/60s/67/RW-1967-02-11.pdf Page 51 Active Melron]
Along with Tony Luisi, Stark produced "King of Love" which is described in A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul as an early example of an r&b song that served as a bridge to Philadelphia soul.A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZS9dzY9PvfIC&q=Luisi&pg=PA281 Page 40] It was released on Melron 5009 in mid-1964.A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZS9dzY9PvfIC&dq=The+Allures+King+of+LOve+1964&pg=PA267 Page 267 Appendix I]
In 1980, Stark collaborated with Bobby Eli and in light of the Iran hostage crisis they recorded a single "American Message To The Hostages" which was released on Melron 5040 in 1980. It was dedicated to the hostages and their families.45Cat - [http://www.45cat.com/label/melron Melron - Label Discography]The International Teamster, Volumes 78-80 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=YvIoAQAAMAAJ&q=Melron+Records%225007+F+Street,+Philadelphia%22 Page xxx]The Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, December 6, 1980 - [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/171796524/ Page 2 With song, he seeks air time] Eli was a founding member of MFSB and pioneer of the Philly sound.The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 22, 2016 - [https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/Phillys-unsung-musical-hero-Bobby-Eli-gets-a-Nashville-spotlight.html Philly 'unsung' musical hero Bobby Eli gets a Nashville spotlight by Brion Shreffler, FOR THE INQUIRER]
Melron Records
Operating from 1961, the label was headquartered at 5007 F St., Philadelphia. Its earlierst releases included recordings by The Allures and Lori Ann.Record World, Vol. 21, No. 1021 February 11, 1961 - [https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Record-World/60s/67/RW-1967-02-11.pdf Page 51 Active Melron]Billboard, December 25, 1965 - [https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard-1965-International-Record-&-Talent.pdf Page 166 Record Manufacturers Of the U. S (Continued)] It was a small independent label with the majority of its output in the 1960s.AllMusic - [https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-best-of-melron-records-the-early-philly-sound-mw0000262769 Various Artists, The Best of Melron Records: The Early Philly Sound]
In June 1962, Rocky Brown's "Den of Love" bw "Why?" was released on Melron 5001. It was given a 3 star rating by Billboard. It was produced by a young Bobby Eli.Billboard, June 16, 1962 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=ShcEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Rocky+Brown%22Den+of+Love%22&pg=PA32 Page 32 Reviews of new singles]Sir Shambling's Deep Soul Heaven - [http://www.sirshambling.com/artists_2012/B/rocky_brown/index.php Rocky Brown]
In 1967, Danny Bassett had "Day After Day" bw "Teenage Soldier" released on the Melron 5011.Roots Vinyl Guide - [https://www.rootsvinylguide.com/ebay_items/danny-bassett-45-teenage-soldier-day-after-melron-rare-teen-war-related-ex Danny Bassett 45 "Teenage Soldier/Day After" MELRON rare teen war related EX]WorldCat - [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/320775728 Day after day, by Danny Bassett; Hounds (Musical group] By November that year, William Penn & the Quakers had a single, "California Sun" out on Melron 5013,Cash Box, November 11, 1967 - [https://archive.org/details/cashbox29unse_14/page/26/mode/2up/search/Melron Page 26 Best Bets] Not to be confused with The William Penn Fyve,Dead Disc - [http://www.deaddisc.com/GDFD_William_Penn.htm William Penn and His Pals / William Penn Fyve] or the similarly named Wm Penn & the Quakers recorded for Duane Records label from Sunnyvale, California,45Cat - [http://www.45cat.com/artist/wm-penn-and-the-quakers Wm. Penn And The Quakers - Discography]Garage Hangover, March 25, 2013 - [https://garagehangover.com/duane-records/ Duane Records discography] this group actually had a member who was called William Penn.Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/Various-Grab-This-And-Dance/release/3935504 Various – Grab This And Dance!! (back cover notes)] Besides William aka Bill Penn, the other members were Lou Altimari, Wayne Carangi, Paul Mc Nulty and Joe Powell.{{Citation needed|reason=Reliable reference for band members needed.|date=February 2020}}
The following year, Rena Faye And The Teddy Bear Co. has their single "Thank You Baby" bw "Do It" released on Melron 5015.45Cat - [http://www.45cat.com/label/melron Melron - Label Discography]
The label was still active in December 1980 with the release of the "American Message To The Hostages" single, and to date had released at least two dozen singles and an album.The Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, December 6, 1980 - [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/171796524/ Page 2 With song, he seeks air time]
In July, 2008, The Best of Melron Records: The Early Philly Sound was released on Philly Soul PH 002CD.Forced Exposure - [https://www.forcedexposure.com/Catalog/va-the-best-of-melron-records-the-early-philly-sound-cd/PH.002CD.html ARTIST VA, TITLE, The Best of Melron Records: The Early Philly Sound, FORMAT, CD] Artists included Essau & His Group, Emerson Brown & Del Rios, Bobby Eli & Del Rios, Colly Williams & Allures, Sweethearts, Howard Churchill & Radars, Lori Ann and her group etc.Apple Music - [https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-best-of-melron-records/166902260 The Best of Melron Records]
A couple of songs from the label "Big Butters", Pts 1 and 2 by Bobby Eli and "Out of the Mist" by The Pheasants were featured on CITR-FM's Shake A Tail Feather Episode which was Broadcast on 12-Dec-2008.CITR-FM - [https://www.citr.ca/radio/shake-a-tail-feather/episode/20081212/ Shake A Tail Feather, Episode December 12, 2008]
=List of artists=
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
- The Alley Cats
- The Allures
- Angelle
- Angels of Mercy
- Danny Bassett
- Emerson Brown & Del Rios
- Rocky Brown
- The Christian Light Quintet
- Howard Churchill & Radars
- Bobby Eli
- Bobby Eli & Del Rios
- Essau
- Essau & His Group
- Rena Faye and the Teddy Bear Co.
- The Intentions
- The Israelites
- Dolly McCoy & The Shabells
- Fred Martin, Jr's Revue
- Johnny Mendell
- The Intentions
- Lori Ann
- Ronnie Mendell with Frank Mooney and the Memories
- William Penn and the Quakers
- The Pheasants
- The Philadelphians
- The Revelators
- Len Stark
- Sensational Starlights
- The Sweethearts
- Colly Williams & Allures
- Colly Williams & His Group
{{div col end}}
Death
Len Stark had already passed away prior to his son Ronald's death on May 20, 2009.Legacy.com - [https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/inquirer/obituary.aspx?n=ronald-a-stark&pid=127538986&fhid=4366 Ronald A. Stark]