The Aladdin Records Story, Part 1. The Juke In The Back begins a two-part special on one of the most important record labels of the pre-rock era, Aladdin Records. Eddie and Leo Mesner started Aladdin as Philo Records in 1945. It was one of the first independent labels on the West Coast and sought to fill in the R&B void left by major labels like Victor, Decca and Columbia. This week's show focuses on the beginning of the label from 1945-49. Grab some nickels, because the party's getting ready to start down at the Chicken Shack...with Matt The Cat and the "Juke In The Back."