Aladdin was known for its wealth of recordings of rhythm & blues and early rock & roll music; it also recorded some jazz sessions of interest.
The label was founded in 1946 by the brothers Eddie, Leo, and Ira Messner as "Philo Records", then changed to its better known name.
In addition to the recordings in Los Angeles, many Aladdin recordings were made in New Orleans, Louisiana by Cosimo Matassa.
Artists who recorded for Aladdin included Louis Jordan, Shirley & Lee, Gatemouth Brown, The Five Keys, Lightnin Hopkins, Dave Bartholomew, Gene & Eunice, Wynonie Harris, Thurston Harris, Johnny Ace, Charles Brown, Lee Allen, Lester Young, Nat "King" Cole, Billie Holiday, and many others.