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The Excels

Carla Records was a Detroit-based label founded in 1966 by record producer Ollie McLaughlin, who named the label after his daughter. Following the success of his earlier ventures—Ruth Records and Karen Records—Carla Records continued in their footsteps, carving out its own legacy in the soul music scene. Distributed by Atlantic Records, Carla became a vital platform for emerging R&B talent throughout its run until 1974. McLaughlin’s productions were frequently backed by Motown’s legendary Funk Brothers, lending a distinctive polish and groove to the label’s sound. One of Carla Records’ most notable achievements was launching the career of Deon Jackson, one of Detroit’s finest soul singers. Alongside Jackson, the label featured a roster of remarkable artists whose music helped define Detroit’s rich R&B and soul heritage during a golden era.