HOWARD KRUGER - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• London "Sunday Times" Journalist

Jeffrey Kruger is arguably the most overlooked, but influential figure in popular music of the last 60 years. His strength of character, determination and hard work can be seen in the success of various music ventures over the decades. Promoting concerts, owning his own independent record label and running one of the most celebrated and iconic nightclubs in history are but a few of his achievements. When the Flamingo Club opened in 1952, few could have imagined what would happen during the next 25 years. From that night onwards, Jeffrey Kruger built a reputation for the club as ‘the place to be'. Kruger formed the very first truly British Independent Record Production and Record Distribution Company when in 1957 he formed Ember Records. An innovation in its day, he paved the way for the Independent labels, independent distribution and promotion; fighting the monopoly of the five major labels that dominated the British Industry at that period. He formed the first Budget line and broke new ground in selling records outside of established record stores. via his Ember label, Kruger has given a British debut outlet to countless classic recordings by such stars as James Brown; B B King; King Curtis; Ray Charles; Elmore James; Howling Wolf; Etta James; Charles Aznavour; Jimi Hendrix and released many more current stars including Glen Campbell; Dionne Warwick; Gene Pitney; Waylon Jennings; Erroll Garner; Tony Martin; Isley Bros; Frank Sinatra; Eric Burdon; Chuck Berry; Carl Perkins; Roy Orbison; John Barry; Woody Herman; Neil Sedaka and Ember, even prior to the Beatles success in the USA hit the top of the U S Charts with recordings by Chad and Jeremy, a rare feat in the early sixties. Jeffrey Sonny Kruger (Jeff Kruger), music business executive: MBE: born London 19 April 1931 died may 14th 2013 aged 83.