Label Guide: Prodigal

Prodigal Records was founded in 1974 by former Motown director Barney Ales in Detroit. As an independent label it released albums by artists such as Gary U.S. Bonds, Shirley Alston (of The Shirelles), and Ronnie McNeir. By the end of 1975, Motown Records acquired Prodigal and made it their second rock music subsidiary, a sister label to Rare Earth Records. The label was closed down in early 1979.