Leon René [SEP] record label
independent rhythm and blues labels Exclusive Records and Excelsior Records. Otis was responsible for any publicly identified with Excelsior Records, while Leon was identified with Exclusive Records. They had purchased their own record plant, but when the format changed from 78 rpm to 45rpm, they could not press the new speed, and the labels went out of business. Otis René's Excelsior label existed from 1944 to 1951. Leon René's Exclusive Records existed from 1944 to 1950. Artists on Exclusive Records included Frantic Fay Thomas, the Buddy Baker Sextet
Class Records
Class Records was an American record label established in Los Angeles, California in 1951 by songwriter and record producer Leon René.
Leon René and his brother Otis had previously established and run the independent rhythm and blues labels Exclusive and Excelsior, and owned their own record pressing plant. However, when the dominant format for singles changed from 78 rpm to 45rpm, they were unable to adjust, and the labels went out of business in 1950. Leon René then set up a new label, Class Records, installing