Play It Again, Sam: 10 Artists & Comedians Signed to Casablanca Records
Casablanca Records was a record company started by Neil Bogart -- no relation to the late legendary actor Humphrey Bogart, although Neil was a big Bogie enthusiast and admirer. In the 1970s, Casablanca Records was the go-to label for disco much like Death Row was the go-to place for gangsta rap in the early '90s.
However, Casablanca Records wasn't totally limited to disco and was also home to such acts as pop artist Tony Orlando, soul singer Dusty Springfield and Motown expats the Four Tops. Casablanca suffered after Neil Bogart left and subsequently died, but was revived in 2000, 2005 and again earlier this year, and is currently owned by Universal Music Group.
Parliament: George Clinton's group signed onto Neil's label in 1973. In 1974, the band released Up for the Down Stroke and the 1975 classic Mothership Connection.
Rodney Dangerfield: Best known for such classic comedies as Caddyshack and Back to School, Dangerfield released a comedy album on the label in 1981 called No Respect, and it went on to win a Grammy for Best Comedy Recording. Dangerfield was no stranger to music, either. In 1983, his music video "Rappin' Rodney" became a hit on MTV and featured guest appearances such as Pat Benatar. Sadly, Dangerfield died in 2004 after complications from brain surgery.
KISS: From 1974 to 1982, KISS was signed to Casablanca Records. Though their self-titled debut album didn't spawn any radio hits, it still went gold in 1977. KISS stayed with Casablanca Records right up until 1982's Creatures of the Night album.
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