Jesse Belvin - Jesse Belvin On Dolphin Records (2020)

Texas-born singer-songwriter Jesse Belvin moved to Los Angeles at the age five. He got his first break via John Dolphin’s independent Hollywood label. Using his own name or a variety of pseudonyms, he recorded prolifically for an array of local imprints. His signature song, ‘Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)’, was used as Alan Freed's radio sign-off. Aiming for quick money rather than royalties, his approach to songwriting was cavalier, exemplified by his song ‘Earth Angel’ being credited to the man who paid him off. 1958 saw him sign to RCA who recognised his crossover appeal and recorded albums and singles with him, but his career was tragically cut short by a car crash in 1960.