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Cobra Records

Cobra Records was an independent record label that operated in Chicago from 1956 to 1959 and launched the careers of Chicago blues artists Otis Rush, Magic Sam and Buddy Guy, a new generation who pioneered the West Side Sound. Cobra was started on Chicago's West Side in 1956 by Eli Toscano, a record store- and television repair shop owner, with help from promoter Howard Bedno. When his previous record label, Abco Records, failed to generate much interest, Toscano approached Willie Dixon about working for him.

Also recorded as Cobra Record Co. · Cobra Record Corp.

Cobra Records

Name
Cobra Records
Founded
1956.
Headquarters
Chicago.

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Cobra Records was an independent record label that operated in Chicago from 1956 to 1959 and launched the careers of Chicago blues artists Otis Rush, Magic Sam and Buddy Guy, a new generation who pioneered the West Side Sound. Cobra was started on Chicago's West Side in 1956 by Eli Toscano, a record store- and television repair shop owner, with help from promoter Howard Bedno. When his previous record label, Abco Records, failed to generate much interest, Toscano approached Willie Dixon about working for him.

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Cobra Records was founded in 1956, with headquarters in Chicago. Its output covers blues and rhythm and blues.

Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 26 September 2026

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wikidata · Q2981170 · wikipedia · Cobra Records

In this article

  1. 01Foundation and history
  2. 02Imprints and publications
  3. 03Archives and collections
  4. 04Notes, references and evidence

The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.

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