Zil Records

Logo and typical 7" sticker layout

An imprint of Excello started in 1959 and discontinued in 1960. Related to Nashboro, at least one release (by Jimmy Beck and his Orchestra) was advertised as being a Nashboro Records release but with a Zil catalog number. Other releases include Lattimore Brown from Memphis (his first two singles) and Nashville Blues artist Al Garner.

The first release was by Mississippi rockabilly artist Tommy Bell, with positive reviews, and a 1970s reproduction of it that imitated the original label as well. The focus on a Louisiana swamp theme on side B matches some of the output from Excello Records, with whom Zil is affiliated.

The second release by 'Cliff and the Sun-Rays' bears evidence of a connection to Louisville singer Cliff Butler. Songwriting credits are given to "C. Butler," same as Cliff Butler's own songs, as well as to Jerry Crutchfield, who would later be associated with the Monza Records label out of Nashville. In 1957 and 1958, Cliff Butler had recorded several singles for Nasco Records, also related to Nashboro and Excello.

The third release featured Nashville blues artist Al Garner, who later recorded several singles for sister label Excello.

The fourth release by Zil got the most attention. A pair of instrumental tracks by Jimmy Beck and His Orchestra, that followed his 1959 hit "Pipe Dreams" which proved to be the biggest hit for Champion Records.

The final two releases featured Memphis soul singer Lattimore Brown in his first two singles.

Trade magazine Cashbox listed Zil Records as a record manufacturer in years 1959, 1960, and also 1961, when it released no records, at 177 3rd Ave N. in Nashville, the business address for Nashboro records and related labels, such as Excello and Nasco among others.

Music writer and historian Randy Fox describes Zil as " another attempt by [Ernie] Young [of Ernie's Record Mart] to break into the rock 'n' roll market" after the failure of Nasco Records, where he had tremendous success with "Oh, Julie" by The Crescendos. The first release "was a hot slab of frantic rockabilly from Natchez, Mississippi rocker Tommy Bell. Despite the record picking up regional action in Texas, it was Bell's only release for Young's labels," and the label's sole release in 1959. According to Fox, the releases in 1960 varied from bland pop (Cliff and the Sun-Rays) to "cool, swingin' uptown blues" (Al Garner), an "R&B instrumental shaker" (Jimmy Beck), and "soul dance" tunes (Lattimore Brown). "Both of Brown's records sold well, and he continued recording for Young with subsequent releases for Excello."