KUDU

Founded in 1971 by producer Creed Taylor as the soul-jazz imprint of the legendary CTI label, Kudu Records put groove before virtuoso solos, aiming to resonate with the R&B and Black radio market.

With fewer than forty releases through the late 1970s, Kudu quickly became home to funky artists such as Grover Washington Jr., Johnny Hammond, Esther Phillips, Hank Crawford, and Idris Muhammad. Grover Washington Jr. emerged as the label’s breakout star, with hits like Inner City Blues and Mister Magic defining Kudu’s sound.

The music emphasized tight grooves, soulful jazz, and infectious riffs, with grandeur taking a back seat to direct impact. Decades later, Kudu remains a treasure for fans of jazz-funk and soul-jazz – stylish, passionate, and irresistibly groovy.