Primarily known for its historic jazz recordings and artist roster for over a decade, Riverside Records was the undisputed king of the jazz scene during the late 1950's. With artists the likes of Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery and Charlie Byrd, Riverside released a large catalog of recordings which happen to feature some of the most important albums in jazz music. Founded in 1953 by Orrin Keepnews and Bill Grauer, Keepnews acted as producer on almost all of the jazz recordings, most notably Jazzland Records. Riverside initially reissued early jazz recordings from the Chicago based Paramount Records label as well as, Gennett Records. The label reissued recordings by Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and others. Around 1955, Riverside started issuing its own record releases and bought out Thelonious Monk's recording contract from Prestige for a mere $108 and Monk made Riverside his home for the next five years. Riverside had now established itself as a major label. The label also directed attention to creating an extensive folk catalog and even ventured into new territory by releasing recordings of sports cars and racing sounds recorded in Florida at the historic 12 Hours of Sebring sports car races. Those recordings also feature interviews with noted drivers like Stirling Moss, Juan Manual Fangio and others. In 1960-61, Riverside recorded and introduced its Living Legends Series which was an acclaimed series of albums featuring jazz & blues veterans. These recordings captured top musicians before their artistry was lost forever. Many of these artists were no longer active and the American Federation of Musicians suspended their rules so these artists could be recorded without union affiliation requirements. A subsidiary, Riverside Wonderland produced a series of children's records and a number of evangelical recordings were also produced. After the sudden death of co-founder, Bill Grauer in 1963, Riverside folded the following year. Their catalog was taken over by ABC Records and then Fantasy Records in 1972, now owned by Concord Records. This book features an extensive discography of those recorded works dating back to the labels inception. All pertinent information is included for all but a handful of those records.