Stax Records Founder Jim Stewart RIP

[Oddly]

Just read of his passing. The man behind so many great acts, what a loss.

 

[mongo2]

Stax was always a favorite of mine.

RIP, sir and thank you.

 

[kobass]

RIP Jim.

 

[roccobass]

RIP Mr. Stewart...
Thank you to you and your sister Estelle for starting one of the greatest American treasures.

 

[Lowandfat]

One of the most important figures in not just American music history, but American civil rights history.

 

[Lowandfat]

Can't believe there aren't more reactions. Seems this board is in serious need of some history lessons.

 

[Oddly]

Can't believe there aren't more reactions. Seems this board is in serious need of some history lessons.

I'm a bit surprised too.
Maybe STAX isn't as revered as Motown or Muscle Shoals as I'd have thought?
Even aside from the musical legacy, the fact that two white people ran a racially-integrated, colour-blind operation in Memphis in the 60's is worth some serious admiration.

 

[Lowandfat]

That's what I'm saying. University of freaking IOWA has a class on the STAX Record's role in civil rights in the US. Even the impact on their immediate surrounding neighborhood can not be overstated.

Easily the most inclusive US label at the time, producing dozens of huge soul hits, yet a board of bass players has no reaction to the people who gave Duck Dunn a job?

Off the top of my head:

Otis Redding
Albert King
Isaac Hayes
Booker T & the M.G.’s
Sam & Dave
The Bar-Kays
Staple Singers
Carla Thomas
David Porter
The Delfonics
Little Milton
Big Star
Rufus Thomas

 

[foal30]

One of the great labels
So much fantastic music

RIP Mr Stewart.

 

[foal30]

Can't believe there aren't more reactions. Seems this board is in serious need of some history lessons.

Would you be able to link some suggested reading? Cheers.

 

[Oddly]

Here's 2 about Stax I'd recommend.

Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion : Gordon, Robert: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Soulsville U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records: Amazon.co.uk: Bowman, Rob: 8580000824803: Books

Another about the time and place.

Memphis 68: The Tragedy of Southern Soul (The Soul Trilogy Book 2) : Stuart Cosgrove: Amazon.co.uk: Books

 

[GregC]

Also, here's an obituary. I never knew the name of the founder before now.
Jim Stewart obituary

 

[JRA]

Can't believe there aren't more reactions. Seems this board is in serious need of some history lessons.

I'm a bit surprised too.

one of the pioneers! he was lucky enough to live a long life. R.I.P., jim stewart

i loved otis, a phenom, loved sam and dave, and booker T, and all the others, but these guys were always getting my attention:

 

[Lowandfat]

Pops and Mavis are proof of magic.

 

[Lowandfat]

Big 2nd for Soulsville USA, it's a great read. What a story, and SO much amazing music.

 

[DirtDog]

RIP.

Stax is easily the most influential label for my formation as a musician. Well, Motown, too!

 

[chris_b]

Sorry to hear about Jim Stewart. Stax had a big hand in shaping my bass playing and musical future.

Duck Dunn was an influence from the beginning, way before I even knew his name.

 

[rtslinger]

Wow! I just read this, RIP Jim Stewart thanks for bringing the world some unforgettable music.

 

[RayWithFlats]

A big loss. As people have mentioned in the thread, Stax was hugely important socially as well as culturally. So many greats got a chance to flourish at the label. RIP and thank you for everything you did.