Don Robey

Don Robey was an American businessman who founded Peacock Records in 1949 and later became the sole owner of Duke Records in 1953, centralizing operations in Houston. His labels primarily featured gospel and blues music, with notable artists like the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and Bobby “Blue” Bland.1

Robey's Duke Records released the original version of "Hound Dog" by Willie Mae Thornton in 1952, which Elvis Presley later turned into a rock-and-roll hit. Another significant artist was Johnny Ace, whose posthumous hit "Pledging My Love" became a popular oldie. Robey's work predated and paralleled the rise of other influential labels like Motown.1