Major Record Labels: A History of Dominance

EMI was acquired by Universal Music Group in 2012, leaving Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group as the "Big Three" major record labels.

The Victor Talking Machine Company, founded by Eldridge R. Johnson, acquired several other companies and formed the "Trust", which controlled over 90% of the phonograph market in the United States.

Berry Gordy Jr. founded Tamla Records in 1959, which later became Motown Records in 1960. Motown Records played a significant role in the development of soul music and launched the careers of many iconic artists.

The merger of PolyGram and Universal Music Group in 1998 resulted in the formation of Universal Music Group, the largest music company in the world.

Clive Davis founded Arista Records in 1974 and it quickly became a major force in the music industry, signing artists such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Barry Manilow.

Ahmet Ertegun founded Atlantic Records in 1947 and it became a major player in the jazz and blues genres, signing artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding.

Seymour Stein founded Sire Records in 1966 and it became a major force in the independent music scene, signing artists such as the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Madonna.

David Geffen founded Geffen Records in 1980 and it quickly became a major player in the rock and pop genres, signing artists such as Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, and Aerosmith.

Chris Blackwell founded Island Records in 1959 and it became a major player in reggae and world music, signing artists such as Bob Marley, U2, and Traffic.

Richard Branson founded Virgin Records in 1972 and it quickly became a major force in the punk and new wave genres, signing artists such as the Sex Pistols, Culture Club, and Simple Minds.

Geoff Travis founded Rough Trade Records in 1976 and it became a major player in the independent music scene, signing artists such as the Smiths, the Fall, and Pulp.

Ivo Watts-Russell founded 4AD Records in 1979 and it became a major player in the electronic and ambient music genres, signing artists such as Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, and Dead Can Dance.

Tony Wilson founded Factory Records in 1978 and it became a major player in the post-punk and electronic music genres, signing artists such as Joy Division, New Order, and Happy Mondays.

Daniel Miller founded Mute Records in 1978 and it became a major player in the electronic and techno music genres, signing artists such as Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and Einstürzende Neubauten.

Steve Beckett founded Warp Records in 1989 and it became a major player in the drum and bass and jungle music genres, signing artists such as Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Autechre.