R&B singer Angie Stone and soul legend Isaac Hayes are the first two signings on Stax Records, a label which was reactivated after a 30 year hiatus by its current owner, Concord Music Group. Stax Records is known for making such stars as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers among others. Neo-soul singer Stone previously recorded for J Records, which issued her most recent release, 2004’s “Stone Love.” “I simply can’t believe that I will be a Stax artist — and I’ll be label mates with Isaac Hayes,” Stone said. “The staff at Stax share my belief that soul has to stay in touch with its origins. We’re going to make beautiful music together.” “Stax always has been and always will be soul music, I was a part of that,” Hayes said in a statement. “I am coming back to Stax because there is still so much to do. It’s like coming home.” Los Angeles-based Concord, famed for its jazz roster, added Stax to its holdings as part of its acquisition of Fantasy Records in 2004. Stax, which takes its name from the surnames of founders Jim Stewart and his sister Estelle Axton, traces its roots back to 1957. Throughout the ’60s and early ’70s, the Memphis label lived up to its “Soulsville” name, offering a grittier alternative to the Motown Records assembly line. But it eventually went bust in 1975 amid shady business practices. The Labels first release will be “Interpretations,” a tribute to the songs of Earth Wind & Fire mastermind Maurice White. Stone will be among the many stars on “Interpretations,” singing a cover of “Be Ever Wonderful.”
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