The board of directors, of The N.A.R.B. Dee Jays Association, recently conducted our annual nominations for our "Blue Note Award" given to a recipient, each year, for their effort in the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of Rhythm & Blues music, with distinction.

For the year 2002, we'd like to congratulate Ecko Records, of Memphis, Tennessee, for being unanimously voted as this years recipient. Ecko Records was founded in 1995, in the Home of the Blues, Memphis. In a short time, it has become known as one of the best and consistent companies, in the contemporary Blues and R&B field.

It's first release was Ollie Nightingales"s "I'll Drink Your Bath Water, Baby", which debuted in February of 1995. From there, Ecko quickly began to build a stable of first rate southern soul and blues performers. It's list of artists, currently include, names many of us are familiar with, like Denise LaSalle, Barbara Carr, Quinn Golden, Chuck Roberson, Bill Coday, Rick Lawson and Sheba Potts-Wright. Many of us became familiar with Ecko, from their releases of "It's A Beach Thang" series, of which we hope more will follow. Ecko, started in John Ward's home, and shortly will be moving to a larger facility, at 485 N. Hollywood, Suite 2, Memphis, TN 38112, (901) 320-9250. Call for a free catalog.

Once again, our sincere congratulations, to John Ward, "Mr. Promotions", and his great staff as the Winner of our "Blue Note Award" for the year 2002. Visit them at their web site www.eckorecords.com See a photo of the presentation here.