EMI
The Electric and Musical Industries Ltd is started in March 1931 from a merger of UK Columbia Graphophone Company and the Gramophone Company/HMV. In 1955, to replace the loss of its long-established licensing arrangements with RCA Victor and Columbia Records, EMI entered the American market by acquiring Capitol Records.
Electric & Musical Industries changes its name to EMI Ltd. in 1971, the Gramophone Company changes its name to EMI Records Ltd in 1973. In February 1979 United Artists Records is bought by EMI Ltd.
In October 1979 THORN Electrical Industries Ltd. merges with EMI Ltd. to form THORN EMI.
In 1989 THORN EMI puchases a 50% interest in Chrysalis Records, in 1991 the outstanding 50% are purchased too. In June 1992 THORN EMI acquires Richard Branson's Virgin Records.
On August 16 1996: THORN EMI shareholders vote in favor of demerger proposals. The new name EMI Group plc formally replaces THORN EMI.
Under the control of Sir Louis Sterling, EMI opened the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, England in November 1931.
Labels under the EMI banner
Musicians signed, or previously signed, to EMI
The musicians may have been signed under one of EMI's subsidiary labels. The subsidiary is noted next to the artist if this is the case.
Pre-1960
Metal bands on EMI during the 1980s included:
The Sex Pistols were briefly signed to the label in 1976 in a relationship that was fraught with controversy, and that had lasting repercussions for the history of the music industry.
See also
