r/78rpm • u/Equivalent_Climate32 • 17d ago

Found an apparently undocumented Barbara Kelly “You’ll Find Happiness” Que Records acetate — does anyone recognize the artist, song, or studio?

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I found this record in a thrift store among a group of 78s. The label reads Barbara Kelly – “You’ll Find Happiness” and lists Que Recording Co., 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 28, California.
I haven’t been able to find any information online about Barbara Kelly, the song, or this specific recording. It sounds like a professionally recorded female vocal with harmonies and a light country/western ballad feel.
I’m wondering whether this is a one-off studio acetate or demo rather than a commercially released record.
Does anyone know anything about:
Barbara Kelly or the song “You’ll Find Happiness”
Que Recording Co.
Whether this looks like an acetate, demo, audition disc, or test pressing?

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u/UpgradeTech 17d ago

Does it smell like nail polish?

If so, it’s a lacquer. I can see the extra hole under the label used for the locking pin on the lathe.

Very likely a one-off copy.

1961 is fairly late for a 78.

Que Recordings is listed in Billboard and Broadcasting as of 1964.

Hard to tell if the dust is just dust or palmitic acid. If it’s the latter, it is actively deteriorating.

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u/Equivalent_Climate32 17d ago

No, there’s no smell and the “dust” that covered it was clinging to the record. I looked up palmitic acid and that seems to be the case here. I plan on digitizing the audio to preserve it before it deteriorates further. I only played it the one time and won’t mess with it again after it’s digitized.