DJ/Producers Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence started Jes Say Records in 1983 release their own electronic dance music records and this partnership would help spread the message of a new sound that became known as house. These records included Saunders’ “On And On” and The Browns’ “What’s That” along with several others that were released as 7-inch and 12-inch singles for the next four years. Saunders’ “Funk You Up” became one of the first house records to reach the Billboard sales charts. The sound often featured looped bass lines from disco records, electronic drum machines and original lyrics. Saunders and Lawrence sold these records themselves through independent dance music stores in Chicago and other cities. They were also airplay staples on such trendsetting radio stations as WBMX. Their minimalist musical technique on affordable equipment also showed younger artists that there were few barriers to themselves making their own house music recordings.

– A.C. 

Caption: Former location of Jes Say Records.