Philles Records

Philles Records was a record label formed in 1961 by Phil Spector and Lester Sill, the label taking its name from a hybrid of their first names. Initially, the label was distributed by Jamie/Guyden in Philadelphia. In 1962, Spector purchased Sill's stock to become sole owner, at a mere 21 years of age America's youngest label chief.

The label issued twelve albums over the course of its existence, but with the exception of "A Christmas Gift for You", the focus was always on the single. By most accounts, 39 singles were issued on the label. However, Philles 125 is a reissue of Philles 119, with the b-side "Winter Wonderland" wisely substituted for the original flipside, "Harry and Milt Meet Hal B." Also, most discographies, including the one in the "Back to Mono" booklet, list two items with catalogue numbers Philles 123: "Stumble And Fall" by Darlene Love (which was withdrawn and replaced with), and "Walking in the Rain" by The Ronettes. Despite the prior claim that Philles 134, 135, and 136 were not released in the United States, promo and regular stock copies of all 3 exist, as well as the withdrawn Darlene Love single listed above. The withdrawn "(Let's Dance) The Screw" by The Crystals only exists as promo copies.

All singles were produced by Spector, with five exceptions: Philles 101, 103, and 104 were produced by Sill prior to his departure from the company; Philles 133 by Jeff Barry, and Philles 134 by Bob Crewe. None of the non-Spector productions charted, while every one of Spector's productions made the charts in the U.S., with the exceptions of Philles 132, one of the two Philles 123's, the withdrawn Philles 105, and the holiday single both times. Eighteen Philles records made the Top 40, the label topping the charts twice with Philles 106 in 1962, and again with Philles 124 in 1965.

The label ceased operations in 1967, and Spector did not return to production work for another two years.

Notable artists

* The Crystals
* Darlene Love
* Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans
* The Ronettes
* The Righteous Brothers
* Ike and Tina Turner

ingles discography

Albums discography

See also

* List of record labels