As the founders of Modern Records, the Bihari Brothers, Jules, Joe, and Saul, formed the base of one of the most influential R&B labels in Pop history. John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Hadda Brooks, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Lowell Fulson, B.B. King, Etta James, and Ike Turner all recorded for Modern Records. Located in Los Angeles’ Watts district, the label actually grew out of brother Jules Bihari’s frustration with distributors. He ran a jukebox concession in the black neighborhoods and grew increasingly frustrated by the fact that he couldn’t get enough copies of hit records. So, along with his other brothers, he decided to form a label. Their first release was by a young female piano player named Hadda Brooks. Soon afterwards the enterprising brothers bought a pressing plant and divided tasks among them equally with Saul handling manufacturing and Jules taking production chores. The eldest brother, Lester, worked in the Modern warehouse and later headed the legendary Meteor label in Memphis as an offshoot of the Bihari operation. Throughout the years, the Biharis consistently showed the talent and tenacity to stay ahead of the current trends, discovering, producing, and releasing some of the best work of the genre.
— (Blues Foundation press release, 2006.)