The Forum label was an early-to-mid 1960s budget reissue label, usually marketed in grocery store racks and similar non-record store outlets. Although we believe that Forum was always either a division of Roulette or not far out of their control, there are several different attributions on the various Forum labels, and there seem to be three distinct phases through which the label went.

The 16000 series seems to be the earliest of the issues, probably dating about 1960. The stereo label was black with gold print, the forum logo above the center hole. The attribution curving around the top of the label said, "Forum Records/A Division of Roulette Records, Inc." The Forum logo on the front cover also incorporates "A Division of Roulette Records, Inc." into the logo. There was apparently an attempt to compile new albums for budget release in the 16000 series, as indicated by the Playmates release [SF-16001] and Jimmie Rodgers' Just for You album [SF-16004], which included some songs in stereo not available before its issue. The 16000 series apparently didn't last long.

The 9000 series was next, probably 1961-63, and was largely a vehicle for straight budget-price reissues of the Roulette and Tico albums previously available. Almost all the 9000 series items were reissues, with very little in the way of studio work required to compile new albums. In fact, the stampers used for these issues were the same ones used for the original Roulette, Tico, or Forum 16000 series albums, as they had the original master numbers scratched into the trailoff grooves. The 9000 series label was maroon for mono and dark red for stereo (stereo jazz issues used a royal blue label with silver print), and some stated, "Forum Records/A Division of Jaymo Products Inc." around the top of the label. All mention of Roulette was removed, including on the cover logos. We assume Jaymo Products was owned by Roulette.

In the third phase, in 1964, the label name was changed to Forum Circle, although the change in the logo was minor and it was obviously the same label. On the Forum Circle records, the notation of the jacket and label states, "Mfg. by Connoisseur Record Corp., 160 Passaic Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey." The label colors changed to yellow for stereo and light blue for mono.

We would appreciate any additions or corrections to this discography. Just send them to us via e-mail. Both Sides Now Publications is an information web page. We are not a catalog, nor can we provide the records listed below. We have no association with Forum or Roulette Records, which we believe is currently owned by Rhino/Warner Brothers Records. Should you be interested in acquiring albums listed in this discography (which are all out of print), we suggest you see our Frequently Asked Questions page and follow the instructions found there. This story and discography are copyright 1998, 2010 by Mike Callahan.