Ric Records, along with sister label Ron Records, were American record labels formed by Joe Ruffino in 1959. Although most of Ric's releases did not rise above regional hits, the label was active during the golden era of New Orleans R'n'B and was an incubator for many artists who are now recognized as definers of the style.
After his first taste of the music industry at A-1 Distributors, Joe Ruffino set out on his own with the Ric and Ron imprints, headquartered at 630 Baronne Street in New Orleans. The labels were named after Joe's two sons. Ric Records was focused exclusively on releasing local New Orleans talent. Edgar Blanchard was brought in to help with studio arrangements, and supervised all early Ric studio sessions. He was later replaced by Harold Battiste. Mac Rebennack (later "Dr. John") was also brought on as label president and helped with writing and producing.
Artists on the label included Eddie Bo, Johnny Adams, Lenny Capello, Al Johnson, Tommy Ridgley and Joe Jones. Jones provided Ric with its only sizeable hit, "You Talk Too Much", which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the fall of 1960.
Sister label Ron Records had a similar focus on local talent. Artists released include Professor Longhair (local favorite "Go to the Mardi Gras"), Irma Thomas, Bobby Mitchell, Eddie Lang (not to be confused with the jazz guitarist Eddie Lang) and Martha Carter. After being discovered in a local club by Tommy Ridgley, Irma Thomas recorded her first single "(You Can Have My Husband but) Don't Mess with My Man" for Ron within a week. She is now recognized as an important American singer, and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Ric and Ron folded in 1962 when Joe Ruffino died.
You Talk Too Much1 Professor Longhair– Go To The Mardi Gras 2:55
2 Johnny Adams– I Won't Cry 2:21
3 Eddie Bo– Tell It Like It Is 2:19
4 Al Johnson – You Done Me Wrong 2:25
5 Mercy Baby– Don't Lie To Me 2:11
6 Edgar Blanchard– Let's Get It 2:27
7 Johnny Adams– Come On 2:17
8 Lenny Capello & The Dots– Tootles 2:13
9 Professor Longhair– Cuttin'Out (Hey Now Baby) 2:37
10 Joe Jones – I Love You Still 2:14
11 Eddie Lang – Easy Rockin' 2:36
12 Eddie Bo– You Got Your Mojo Working 3:08
13 Chris Kenner– Rocket To The Moon 2:21
14 Eddie Lang – She's Mine All Mine 1:57
15 The Gondoliers– You Call Everybody Darling 2:04
16 Robert Parker– All Nite Long Pts 1 & 2 5:19
17 Irma Thomas– Don't Mess With My Man 2:20
18 Tommy Ridgley– Let's Try And Talk It Over 2:39
19 Martha Carter– Nobody Knows (How I Feel About You) 1:56
20 Al Johnson – Carnival Time 2:38
21 Irma Thomas– I May Be Wrong 2:22
22 Joe Jones – You Talk Too Much 2:32
23 Professor Longhair– Tipitina (Demo) 2:23
24 Johnny Adams– I Won't Cry (Demo) 3:01
