Join us as we aim the spotlight on J.O.B. Records. A legendary imprint run by Joe Brown — a colorful if not enigmatic figure — J.O.B. recorded some of the finest talent the Windy City had to offer. Never really known as a smoothly running operation, the label enjoyed just one R&B hit record ("Five Long Years" by Eddie Boyd) during its 25 year run. Employing a numbering system on their original 78 and 45rpm releases that has defied logic and baffled experts, piecing together the history of the company has remained excruciatingly difficult over the years — thanks in no small measure to Joe Brown's aversion to being interviewed. Fortunately, the good folks at the Red Saunders Research Foundation were up to the task, and we've utilized their extensive "blow by blow" commentary as our guide.

Pictured: A legendary release on J.O.B. — “Rambling” by Johnny Shines (with the number of the release, 116, handwritten onto the label with an ink pen).

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