Our Timeline

RG Jones and Derek Serjeant co-founded Oak Records in 1962, providing a home for folk, blues, and early rock artists. Closely tied to Oak Recording Studios in Morden, Surrey, the label played a pivotal role in capturing the evolving sound of Britain's music scene.

Named after Derek Serjeant's Surbiton folk club, Oak Records' first release was Serjeant's own EP (RGJ-101). As Britain's youth-driven music scene exploded, Oak Records evolved — becoming a hub for British R&B and Freakbeat.

The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds were among the bands that recorded some of their earliest demos at Oak Studios. To avoid purchase tax, pressings were strictly limited to 99 copies per record — unexpectedly turning these releases into ultra-rare collector's items. Today, Oak's limited pressings are some of the most sought-after records in British music history.

On 20 April 1963, The Rolling Stones recorded Bo Diddley's "Pretty Thing" and "It's Alright Babe" at RG Jones Recording Studio in Morden, Surrey, for a film project by their manager Giorgio Gomelsky.

The Yardbirds recorded demos at the studio in early 1964. A young David Bowie (then David Jones), aged 16, recorded his first studio session with The Konrads there in August 1963.

The studio's hire department offered top-tier equipment meticulously maintained to the highest standards. The valve amplifiers and rack units were custom-built by Harold J. Leak, founder of H.J. LEAK & CO Ltd (est. 1934). RG Jones himself crafted the timber cabinets, distinguished by their beautifully rounded corners.