I55 Productions LLC derived its name after the main highway traveling through Memphis, Tennessee. The idea behind the record label came from a Memphis native who found himself looking for ways to share some of the best local talent in his beloved hometown with the rest of the world. Having grown up with some of the Beale Street regulars, he thought it time to provide an avenue for them to share their extraordinary talents with those who may not call Memphis home. The first artist signed to the label, William "Billy" Lavender, is a childhood friend who has played with some of the biggest names in the business for years, in addition to being a regular at some of the hottest venues on Beale Street in his hometown of Memphis.