Specialty Records was initially known as Juke Box Records but changed their name in 1947 to indicate an emphasis on African-American blues and gospel. The Hollywood-based label quickly became a leader in both fields, with a roster that included R&B artists Roy Milton, Joe Liggins, Percy Mayfield, Guitar Slim and Lloyd Price, as well as gospel stars the Pilgrim Travelers, the Soul Stirrers (featuring Sam Cooke), Brother Joe May, Alex Bradford and the Original Gospel Harmonettes. Specialty also famously played a key role in the development of rock 'n' roll upon signing Little Richard in 1955.
