Philles Records was formed in 1961 by producer Phil Spector and Lester Sill, head of Colpix Records. The label's name is taken from a hybrid of their first names. In 1962, Spector purchased Sill's stock to become sole owner, at a mere 21 years of age America's youngest label chief.
Philles was primarily a singles label and almost all of the releases were produced by Phil Spector and became chart hits. The label was responsible for major hits of the early 1960s, including The Crystals' He's A Rebel and Da Doo Ron Ron, The Ronettes' Be My Baby or The Righteous Brothers' You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'. Philles released only 12 albums between 1962 and 1966, and the label was closed in 1967.