(3-CD set) One of the holy grails of 1950s American popular music has been rescued, dusted down and polished, for fans of blues both raunchy and smooth, street corner harmony, and bittersweet soul. The legendary Music City Records of Berkeley, California was one of the longest-lived, most fiercely independent black-owned record companies of the era. Among the set's 78 tracks are names familiar to doo wop and blues collectors - the Crescendos, Gaylarks, Rovers, 5 Lyrics, Alvin Smith etc - while behind several others lurk famous names (James Brown, Lou Rawls) or others soon to be famous (Sugar Pie Desanto, members of Sly & The Family Stone). While Music City recorded many genres, from jazz to surf, the emphasis in "The Music City Story" is upon the black vocal group, be it 50s, 60s or 70s vintage. Packaged in a slipcase, with a separate 48-page color booklet. The jam-packed booklet tells the little-known story of this iconic label, with newly discovered detailed information and an array of vintage photos and memorabilia.