It still amazes us here at GHHS when we learn something new about our community. Such is the case with Blue Hen Records. A few years ago, two visitors came to Harrington, looking for the building that was once home to Blue Hen Records. Unfortunately, everyone they sought out to answer their questions could provide no information. A visit to city hall provided a few phone numbers, one of which led them to Viva Poore, an officer, and member of GHHS. She was able to help somewhat but knew little information on the company.
The gentleman, Steven Leech and Michael Ace, were members of the Delaware Rock and Roll Society and had heard about how this company and Harrington Delaware were once home to the birth of Rock and Roll in Delaware. Their search was for the small general store that was once home to the record company and a signed which read “Former Home of Blue Hen Records”. With no more information to go on, the gentleman returned home, with little to no hope of finding out much more of the history of Blue Hen Records.
But as we say here at GHHS, wait a minute, you never know what will come in the door next! About four years ago, our curator Doug Poore, set up an interview with Honey Voshell, owner of the Drum Pad in Felton, Delaware. Mr. Voshell had played in a band that had recorded with Blue Hen Records and was able to shed some more light on the subject.
The owner and founder of Blue Hen Records was Sam Short. Mr. Short was also a local grocery store owner, and this is the building Steve and Mike were searching for. It had been torn down in the early 2000’s. Sam wrote and produced much of the early music. He originally recorded country gospel songs onto 78rpm records, which he sold in his store. Sam then switched to Rockabilly music, as it was the hot sound of the 1950’s. From 1955 to 1959, Blue Hen Records produced over 100 records of this style, using artist from across the country. Rumor has it that Patsy Cline was turned down by the company, what a story that may have become!
During the interview with Mr. Voshell, we talked about his band, learning that the first big recording, and to date the most sought-after record the company ever made, was “Hot, Hot Mama”. Produced in 1956, the record featured Jimmy Stayton on lead vocals, Mort Marker on lead guitar, and Honey Voshell on drums. Jimmy was managed at this time by famed Harrington businessman and entertainment mogul, Resse Harrington of Reese Theater fame. Following the release of this single, Honey left the band and was replaced by Patsy Saunders. The newly formed group called themselves “The Country Cats”.
The group helped put Blue Hen Records on the map. The label and its artist began to acquire a following across the East Coast to the Mississippi River. The music was recorded at Draper Studios in Salisbury, Maryland. Then the wax masters were shipped to Capital Records in Nashville, Tennessee for production. Later, two smaller companies would be created, Del-Ray Records out of Felton, Delaware (Jimmy Stayton was part owner), and the other was the shorter-term World Records, out of Dover, Delaware
Blue Hen Records lasted until 1959, at least that’s the last known produced recording that can be found.
The museum was able to acquire several 45’s and 78’s, with the 45’s being placed in the jukebox for all to enjoy. But again, the trail had gone cold.
Until, once again, the front door of the museum opened. We were introduced to a granddaughter of Sam Shorts’, who brought with her more information, stories, and even more possible avenues for us to investigate.
After some further digging, the society decided to speak with 302 Stories out of Wilmington, Delaware about the possibility of creating a documentary on Blue Hen Records and the history of Rockabilly music in Delaware. Enter Delaware Humanities. The wonderful folks from this great organization awarded the museum a grant to produce the video.
As research began, the next piece of the puzzle came to light. James Callaway, Sam Short’s grandson, was contacted and we found what we were looking for in James! We hit the motherload of history on Blue Hen Records. James is the current owner of the Blue Hen Records Label, having purchased the entire catalog from the Library of Congress. In his possession are recording contracts, contracts for record production, and other Blue Hen Records memorabilia. Not to mention stories and memories from his youth, detailing Sam’s time as a music producer.
That is all we are sharing for now. A history teaser! You will have to come back once the documentary is released to learn all about this fascinating story. How a small-town grocery store owner started Delaware’s journey into Rock and Roll
Till then, you can read more about Blue Hen Records and its artist from our friends at the Delaware Rock and Roll Society by visiting their website, You can even hear several of the recordings on their website!
Check back with us often for updates as we proceed through the documentary, including a release date and a special premier event reception!