RIC Velvetiers Oh Baby + Feelin' Right Saturday Night, New Orleans 1958 ORIGINAL

$

50

Up for sale is an exceptionally rare ORIGINAL RELEASE R&B single (45 RPM, 7 inch, black vinyl) from a famous (but short lived) New Orleans, Louisiana record label.

Label:  RIC (ric record co.)

Number:  958

Artists:  The Velvetiers

One side (3441):  Oh Baby (Velvetiers - Clark - Ruffino) [Ron Pub 3441 BMI Vocal]

Wax Matrix Marks:  "45-R-3441" (etched) and "Sheldon" (machine stamped in small script)

Other side (3442):  Feelin' Right Saturday Night (Webb - Thibodeaux - Ruffino) [Ron Pub 3442 BMI]

Wax Matrix Marks:  "45-R-3442" (etched) and "Sheldon" (machine stamped in small script)

COMMENTS ON RELEASE:  I believe that the copy I am selling is an original because:  (1)  It has the wax matrix mark "Sheldon" (machine stamped in small script) in the dead wax on each side; and (2)  The dark hatch-mark crescent at the top of the labels tapers smoothly to a perfect point at about the one-o'clock position, rather than being "notched" or "wrinkled".

In 1958, Joe Ruffino formed the RIC and RON record labels, headquartered at 630 Baronne Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (They were named after his sons.)  Over the next four years, the two labels - which specialized in local talent - played an influential role in the development of rhythm and blues in the Crescent City.  Ruffino was assisted by Edgar Blanchard and later by Mac Rebennack (who would become known as "Dr. John").  Among the artists who recorded on RIC were:  Eddie Bo, Johnny Adams, Al Johnson, Tommy Ridgley, and Joe Jones.  (Irma Thomas and Professor Longhair recorded on the RON label.)  Ruffino died in 1962.

See above for complete description of condition and for photos.  NOTE:  There are condition issues, including but not limited to a hairline crack.  Sold as is.

Attention US Buyers:  I will ship by USPS Media Mail or by USPS Priority Mail, your choice.  Please note that if you have a Military Mail address (e.g. APO), I must ask that you pick USPS Priority Mail as it is my understanding that USPS Medial Mail is not reliable to Military Mail addresses.

Attention International Buyers:  Unfortunately, it appears that international shipping from the US (via the USPS) has become unreliable, because of the pandemic.  Therefore, I have decided to remove the international shipping option.  You are still welcome to bid on this item, but will need to supply a shipping address in the US.  I'm sorry for the inconvenience.  Thank you for your understanding.