The Detroit based Wide Open Records, was founded in the Summer of 1999. The impetus for Wide Open Records came at a Family Reunion in St, Louis where L. “Red” Garrett was in attendance. “Red” an established entrepreneur in home improvement and property management was approached by one of his nephews about backing his then rap group North Park Drive. They discussed the music business and the difficulty of finding an independent label. After long conversation, and some 6 months of research, Red decided that he would form a independent record label.

In the spring of 2000, Wide Open Records was incorporated and formally entered the music market place. “Red” built a studio, and brought in a team of professionals and advisors which included Lee “DOC” Goodwin, PhD. After marginal sales with North Park Drive and then artist/producer KIDD as well as few major setbacks Wide Open Records persevered and revamped it’s overall strategies.

In 2002 Wide Open Records began a relationship with it’s now sister company Chopper City Records, the label owned by platinum artist BG. “Red” left the day to day operations of Wide Open to “DOC” and went on tour as road manager with BG to learn more about the business as well as to establish industry contacts. Red’s responsibilities were far more than a road manager and took him right into the board room for the deal with KOCH Records and Chopper City Records. This deal gave “Red” him invaluable insight into the industry and foresight as to the future of Wide Open Records.

In 2004 Wide Open Records re-launched itself with a vengeance behind the talents of a young rap phenomenon by the name of Tone Tone. At that time, Red having some two years of road and management experience and DOC having had a brief mentorship with the legendary Wendy Day, the attack was on.

Today, Wide Open Records boast a team of engineers, producers, and two state of the art sound studios and a strong corporate structure. Wide Open Records is headed by L “Red” Garrett, President/CEO and supported by the awesome talents of Antonio “Tone Tone” Henderson, artist and producer. The team is rounded out by the efforts of Dr. Lee E. Goodwin, Vice President of Operations.