- For the British label, see Argo Records (UK)
Argo Records was started in December of 1956 as primarily a jazz subsidiary of Chess Records. Originally the label was called Marterry, but bandleader Ralph Marterie objected, and the imprint was quickly renamed Argo. Jazz performers on the label included Ahmad Jamal, King Fleming, and Ramsey Lewis Trio. Major rhythm and blues performers on the label were Etta James and the Dells. Argo's first big hit by New Orleans performer Clarence "Frogman" Henry, whose classic "Ain't Got No Home" came out in 1956. Argo changed its name in 1965 to Cadet Records when the company discovered that an Argo Records already existed in the UK. (See the Cadet article for a list of some of the Argo/Cadet recording artists.)
