VEE-JAY Records

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Vee-Jay Records, established in 1953 in Chicago, is one of the first major African American-owned record labels in the United States. Known for its groundbreaking contributions to R&B, soul, and blues, Vee-Jay was instrumental in launching the careers of prominent artists like The Four Seasons and The Beatles before they signed with other labels. The label’s catalog also includes influential recordings from legends such as John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, and Betty Everett, solidifying its place in music history as a pioneering force in the American music industry.

One notable release in Vee-Jay’s later years was the single “Come Back Baby” b/w “Falling in Love” by Jerry “Count” Jackson, a pseudonym for Jerry LaCroix. Produced and arranged by Edgar Winter, the record showcases LaCroix’s robust, soulful vocals paired with a blues-driven arrangement, reflecting the gritty, R&B-infused sound characteristic of Vee-Jay’s offerings. “Come Back Baby,” co-written by LaCroix (as Jerry Jackson), Winter, and Dan Reeder, captures the passionate, bluesy essence of the era, while “Falling in Love,” written by Johnny Watson, provides a softer, yet equally soulful counterpart. This single stands out as a unique entry in LaCroix’s discography and in Vee-Jay’s catalog, highlighting both the label’s commitment to quality R&B and blues, and LaCroix’s versatility as a performer and songwriter.