No question about it, American Idol has proven to be a remarkable vehicle in launching the music careers of previously unknown young vocalists. Now it looks as though it is working for their parents as well. Joe Barrino, father of this year’s winner, Fantasia, has just announced that he is forming his own record label.

Barrino, who had been employed as a truck driver, will be the CEO, producer and arranger for the company, which is still unnamed. The company will be located in High Point, NC, home to the Barrino family.

The Barrino family is no stranger to the recording industry. His sons have a gospel group called Infinity and his nephews are K-Ci and JoJo, who achieved a modicum of success with their 1998 hit “All My Life.” Along with his wife Diane, daughter Fantasia and other family members, Barrino produced a gospel CD, “Miracles,” in 2000 as The Barrino Family. After Fantasia’s success on American Idol, this CD has been re-released and is being snapped up by Fantasia’s fans who are hungry for her music.

The new label will launch with a gospel recording. Barrino plans to explore areas of R&B as well as country. He has also announced plans to work with a local community college offering hands-on training to students who are interested in working in the industry. There is yet no start-up date for this project and Barrino is in the process of looking for space in which to locate the new operation.