For this particular release from our successful 10' vinyl series we have dug deep into the vaults of the Colonial record label not to present the top hits or the biggest sellers but only the rockingest sides released on that label.
Colonial Records was founded in 1951 by Orville Campbell in the small college town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During its 14-year run as a productive record label they released records in a hodge-podge of styles including comedy, bluegrass, pop and even gospel. Among those many releases were some real gems in the new emerging rock n roll style. These included the first and early recordings of future music stars such as George Hamilton IV, John D. Loudermilk (Johnny Dee) and Billy ,Crash' Craddock; all young North Carolina natives who went on the forge lasting careers in the music field. These artists are all featured here as well as other artists who recorded for Colonial such as Doug Franklin who later established an impressive behind the scenes musical career in New York City, Henry Wilson who attempted an unsuccessful move to a major record label and North Carolina favorites E.C. Beatty and the rock combo the Goldtones. Not to be forgotten are the Bluenotes who acted as backing vocal group on many of the Colonial releases featuring the talented guitarist, songwriter and arranger Joe Tanner. The mystery men The Franklin Brothers round out this release with no less than three sides that are pure rockabilly at its finest.
Colonial records has long been neglected in the rock n roll re-issue market so now is the chance to own the best of the rock sides from this important independent record label remastered to Bear Family's meticulous standards all in one neat little 10' vinyl package. 'So Real! - Colonial Rockers from Chapel Hill, NC' is limited to 500 copies so you will want to reserve your copy today before they are gone!

Track Listing

• Henry Wilson & The Bluenotes - Are You Ready
• The Franklin Brothers - Wake Up (Little Boy Blue)
• Johnny Dee - It's Gotta Be You
• George Hamilton IV - If You Don't Know
• The Goldtones - The Oriental Shake
• E. C. Beatty - Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!
• The Franklin Brothers - So Real
• The Bluenotes feat. Doug Franklin - Mighty Low
• Ebe Sneezer & The Epidemics - That's All I've Got
• E. C. Beatty - Tarzan
• Bill Craddock and The Blue Notes - Birddoggin'
• The Franklin Brothers - My Little Girl

Additional Details

Label: Bear Family Records

Genre: Pop/Rock

Run Time: 27:00 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 04/11/25

UPC: 4000127140371