Puneet Varma (Editor)

Minit Records

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Artists
  
Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Ernie K‑Doe, Bobby Womack, Ike & Tina Turner

Minit Records was a record label originally based in New Orleans and founded by Joe Banashak. After making a distribution deal with Imperial Records, the label released its biggest hit, the #1 Mother-in Law by Ernie K-Doe. A number of Allen Toussaint productions were issued on Minit, including hits by Irma Thomas. After the hits dried up, the label was sold to Imperial Records. Banashak also owned Instant Records which he kept. Minit was acquired by Liberty Records in 1963 as part of its acquisition of Imperial Records. Later its records were re-issued between 1966 and 1970 by Sunset Records and the label was active during the same time period as a soul music label. The Minit catalog is currently owned by UMG, successor-in-interest to previous owner EMI.

Label variations

  • 1961-1963: Orange with black print and disclaimer indicating "C/O Imperial Records, Hollywood, Calif."
  • 1964-1968: Black label with silver print, multi-color logo on left side with "MINIT" inside the logo and "A PRODUCT OF LIBERTY RECORDS" under MINIT. Disclaimer at bottom of label reads "A DIVISION OF LIBERTY RECORDS"
  • 1969-1970: Same as black label mentioned above but with the "PRODUCT" disclaimer removed under "MINIT" inside the logo. Disclaimer at bottom of label now reads "LIBERTY/UA, INC."
  • References

    Minit Records Wikipedia