Which disco producer founded West End Records in New York City in 1976?

Which disco producer founded West End Records in New York City in 1976? Mel Cheren founded it, alongside Ed Kushins.

West End Records emerged during New York’s disco era and became one of the city’s most influential dance-music labels. Cheren was a record executive who helped shape the label’s identity and later became closely associated with the Paradise Garage, the influential Manhattan nightclub connected to DJ Larry Levan.

West End helped popularize the 12-inch single, whose larger format allowed longer playing time and better sound for DJs. Its catalog included Taana Gardner’s “Heartbeat,” Karen Young’s “Hot Shot,” Loose Joints’ “Is It All Over My Face?” and the NYC Peech Boys’ “Don’t Make Me Wait.”

A common mix-up is crediting Cheren as the sole founder: historical accounts also name Ed Kushins as a co-founder. Still, Mel Cheren is the canonical answer to this quiz’s singular identification, and he is the figure most strongly associated with West End’s creation and legacy. The label’s records later became important sources for sampling and helped connect disco to garage house and later dance styles.