Trax Records began with a straightforward mission: DJ/producers Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence met vinyl pressing plant owner Larry Sherman in 1984 and convinced him to release their records. The company’s initial record was Saunders’ “Wanna Dance/Certainly,” which was released under his pseudonym, Le Noize. Trax took off and along with Saunders and Lawrence’s productions the company also presented such hits as Larry Heard’s “Can You Feel It,” Phuture’s “Acid Tracks” and Adonis’ “No Way Back.” With such popular records during the 1980s, it became the premier house music record company with an especially large following in Europe. Trax also signed Rachel Cain—or, as she is better known, Screamin’ Rachel—who recorded such popular dance records as “My Main Man.” Cain also became the first house artist to sign to a major label when she inked a deal with Universal’s German affiliate, Teldec. She went on to become Trax’s owner and president.

– A.C. 

Caption: Former location of Trax Records.