Stax Records - Soul Music - Jim Stewart

Jim Stewart, born James C. Stewart (1930-2012), was a co-founder of Stax Records, a prominent record label based in Memphis, Tennessee, that played a significant role in shaping soul and R&B music in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1957, Jim Stewart, along with his sister Estelle Axton, founded Satellite Records, which later became Stax Records. The name “Stax“ was derived from the first two letters of their last names. Initially, the label primarily focused on country, rockabilly, and pop music. However, as their studio gained popularity, it became a hub for African-American musicians and produced a distinct sound that blended soul, R&B, and funk. Stax Records achieved considerable success with artists such as Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Isaac Hayes, and The Staple Singers, among others. Jim Stewart played a vital role in the label’s success by overseeing the production, distribution, and business operations. He also co-produced ma