LOGAN SQUARE — Rosa’s Lounge, the iconic blues club, is embarking on a new venture with the establishment of its own independent record label, Rosa’s Lounge Records.
The founders, Tony Mangiullo and Marni Willenson, aim to connect with a younger generation of music enthusiasts who are increasingly discovering music through social media.
Willenson emphasized that the label will spotlight local blues, R&B, and rock-adjacent musicians who lack the resources for album production but possess remarkable talent, or those who have specific projects in mind that resonate with Rosa’s legacy.
A unique aspect of Rosa’s Lounge Records is that it is a collaborative effort between the founders and artists.
Musicians will retain their rights and license their music to the label, allowing them to maintain control over their creative output, as explained by Willenson.
“There’s a lot of young guitar players, and there’s sort of a new interest in the music; rock music is having a bit of a comeback, and rock is blues,” she noted.
With 41 years of promoting blues music, Rosa’s is poised to attract a new audience as trends evolve.
For Willenson, who is also a civil rights attorney, this record label represents a personal journey.
After three decades in law, she is eager to fuse her passions for music, equity, and supporting underrepresented artists.
“There’s so much unrecorded talent,” she said, reflecting on the complexities artists face in a landscape filled with copyrights and royalties.
Billy Branch, an acclaimed Chicago blues musician, has become the first artist signed to the label.
Branch, who has a long-standing history with Rosa’s — performing at the club since its opening day — approached Mangiullo and Willenson about producing a new album.
This album is described by Willenson as “career-defining,” featuring songs penned by Branch himself.
Rosa’s Lounge Records has been in the works for two years, growing out of the club’s deep-seated roots in the blues scene and its vital role in the community.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Mangiullo to temporarily close the venue for a year, the economic impact on many musicians who relied on Rosa’s for gigs was significant.
In response, Mangiullo adapted by offering virtual music classes and livestreamed performances.
These initiatives allowed hundreds of artists to continue performing from the club’s stage, generating donations to support them during the closure.
With an average of four to five performances each week, the livestreams created an extensive library of live music, ensuring artists could earn income while keeping the spirit of Rosa’s alive during this challenging time.
All recorded performances from this period can still be accessed via the club’s YouTube and social media channels.
Mangiullo plans to curate this content into an anthology under the new label, showcasing a treasure trove of performances.
The success of the digital recording model has reinvigorated interest in the club, attracting new audiences and allowing the staff to continue recording and livestreaming shows on weekends.
In recent years, Mangiullo’s performance studio has produced numerous projects, including John Primer’s 2022 album, “Teardrops For Magic Slim Live At Rosa’s Lounge,” which garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2024.
As more artists join the label, music under Rosa’s Lounge Records will be available on popular streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Physical copies of the music will also be released in formats such as CD and vinyl, appealing to fans of all ages.
At a recent birthday party performance featuring singer Lynne Jordan, who has previously not recorded an album despite frequent shows at the club, the vibrant atmosphere underscored Rosa’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
While the record label’s roster is still in the planning phase, the team is optimistic about welcoming more artists in the future.
Younger audiences have increasingly flocked to Rosa’s Lounge, which is essential for bridging the gap between the traditional blues community and new music lovers.
Mangiullo noted, “Especially now, through these digital and AI-generated things, I think some of the younger people, I really see them see value in genuine expression.”
This sentiment resonates with the club’s mission of keeping blues music relevant amid changing musical landscapes.
Rosa’s Lounge Records is set to officially launch on August 1-2.
The club at 3420 W. Armitage Ave. will host a launch party featuring the first single from Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues titled “Begging For Change,” which will be part of their album scheduled for release in November.
image source from：blockclubchicago
