Quinn Records TM: Five Decades of Authentic Blues, Gospel, Jazz, and Soul
Since 1971, Quinn Records TM has stood as a testament to the enduring power of authentic American roots music. Founded by Dwight L. Quinn in East St. Louis, Illinois, this independent record label has spent over five decades preserving and promoting the sounds of blues, gospel, jazz, and soul music. On October 27, 2024, Quinn Records TM celebrated its 53rd anniversary, marking more than half a century of musical excellence and cultural preservation.​

The Genesis of a St. Louis Institution
The story of Quinn Records TM begins in 1971, when Dwight L. Quinn established the label at 234 Collinsville Ave, Suite 500, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Quinn, who serves as both founder and current CEO, built the company with a clear vision: to offer high-quality, traditional and contemporary music that captures the essence of American roots genres. The label's headquarters later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where it continues to operate today.​

Quinn Records TM is also known by its shortened monikers QRTM and "q" records, all representing the same commitment to musical authenticity. In 2000, Quinn expanded his operations by founding Boogie City Music (BCM), the label's in-house digital distribution arm, demonstrating foresight in adapting to changing music distribution methods.​
Blues musicians recording in a warm, acoustically treated studio with guitars and piano
A Diverse Roster of Talented Artists
The label's catalog showcases an impressive array of artists across multiple genres. In blues, Quinn Records has recorded legendary performers including Lil Aaron Mosby, whose career spans over 40 years and includes his 1960 hit "Goin' To East St. Louis". Other notable blues artists on the roster include Osee Anderson, Jim "Mississippi Redd" Thornton, Oliver Johnson, Ernie Johnson, and James Gilbert, all of whom are keeping the blues tradition alive.​

The label's commitment extends beyond blues. Gospel artists such as The Divine Messengers, The Masonic Quintet of Waukegan, Illinois, and Elder Henry Moye & The Kirkwood Spiritual Aires have found a home at Quinn Records. Jazz performers like Terry Williams and Jimmy Jones have also contributed significantly to the label's catalog.​

Terry Williams, a particularly notable artist, is described as a rhythmic and energetic organist working within an R&B mode that is jazz-oriented. His career includes work with legends such as Jimmy "Night-Train" Forrest, Tab Smith, and Chuck Berry, and he has performed at prestigious venues including the International Playboy Club circuit.​

Jimmy Jones, an accomplished jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer, left a lasting legacy with albums like "Jimmy Jones Goes Latin," which features the late St. Louis saxophonist Oliver Sain and organist Terry Williams. Jones' work included both covered and original songs, demonstrating his love for romantic show tunes with tracks like "Fly Me To The Moon" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You".​
Musical Heritage and Historical Context
Quinn Records TM emerged from a rich musical environment. East St. Louis in the 1960s and 1970s was a hotbed of blues talent, where artists like Oliver Johnson grew up surrounded by musical greats including Lil Aaron Mosby, David Dee, Little Milton, Ike Turner, Oliver Sain, Eugene O'Neal, and Albert "Blues Boy" King. This historical context provided the label with deep roots in authentic blues culture and a network of talented musicians who understood the genre's traditions.​

The collaboration with Oliver Sain is particularly noteworthy. Sain (1932-2003) was an important figure in the development of rhythm and blues music in St. Louis. He worked with numerous major artists throughout his career and was known for his contributions to the local music scene, making his appearances on Quinn Records releases especially significant.​

Mission and Philosophy
Quinn Records TM operates with a clearly defined mission: to be "a creative prerecorded music, publishing, and distribution company aimed at offering high-quality, high-tech, moderately priced, traditional and contemporary blues, gospel, jazz, and soul music using only the most familiar and popular formats". The label views itself as partners with customers, employees, artists, community, and environment.​

The company's goal is moderate growth, annual profitability, and maintaining a sense of dignity. Their motto, "Where the sound of blues, gospel, jazz, and soul music is made," encapsulates their commitment to these genres. This philosophy has guided the label through five decades of operation, allowing it to remain true to its roots while adapting to changing industry conditions.​