Stax Records

Stax Records, founded in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a major American record label known for pioneering Southern soul and R&B music. It became famous for its distinctive sound and for launching the careers of legendary artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Stax played a key role in shaping the black music industry during the 1960s and early 1970s, emphasizing heartfelt, gospel-inspired performances. Despite financial struggles and closing in the early 1970s, its influence persisted, and it remains celebrated for its musical innovation and cultural significance in American music history.