Record man Art Rupe, who started a small Los Angeles-based independent label called Specialty Records in 1946 and went on to help launch the careers of artists including Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Percy Mayfield and dozens of other jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll artists, died Friday. He was 104.
Rupe’s death at his home in Santa Barbara was announced in a statement by his family, which did not provide a cause.
The producer, businessman, philanthropist and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member served as an essential amplifier of the vibrant post-World War II music scene along Central Avenue in South Los Angeles.
