2011 three CD compilation. The legendary Music City Records of Berkeley, California was one of the longest-lived, most fiercely independent black-owned record companies of the era. Over the course of two decades, owner Ray Dobard's release schedule reflected the evolution of black popular music, from smooth Blues in the early 1950s, through R&B, instrumentals, Rock 'n' Roll through to the end of the decade, proto-Soul in the early '60s and into Funk and modern Soul in the 1970s. But it is the rich seam of Bay Area vocal groups that Music City mined, that collectors associate with the label. Dobard had only a couple of minor hits - the Four Deuces' popular 'W-P-L-J', Johnny Heartsman's raucous 'Johnny's House Party' - but released over fifty 45 rpm singles and taped much, much more. 78 tracks. Ace Records.