Atlantic Records

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Atlantic Records is an American record label founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. It is a subsidiary of Warner Music Group and is headquartered in New York City. The label is known for its significant influence on the development of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz music.

History[edit | edit source]

Atlantic Records was established with the goal of promoting African American music genres, which were underrepresented in the mainstream music industry at the time. The label quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality recordings and innovative production techniques.

Founding and Early Years[edit | edit source]

Ahmet Ertegun, the son of a Turkish diplomat, and Herb Abramson, a dentist turned music producer, founded Atlantic Records in 1947. The label's first major hit was "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" by Stick McGhee in 1949. This success helped establish Atlantic as a major player in the music industry.

1950s and 1960s[edit | edit source]

During the 1950s, Atlantic Records became a leading label for rhythm and blues music, signing artists such as Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, and The Drifters. The label also played a crucial role in the development of soul music, with artists like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding.

In the 1960s, Atlantic expanded its roster to include rock and roll acts, signing bands like Led Zeppelin and Cream. This diversification helped the label maintain its prominence in the rapidly changing music industry.

1970s to Present[edit | edit source]

The 1970s saw Atlantic Records continue to thrive with successful releases from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Foreigner. The label also embraced the emerging hip hop genre in the 1980s, signing acts like Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J.

In the 2000s, Atlantic Records merged with Elektra Records to form the Atlantic Records Group. The label continues to be a major force in the music industry, with a diverse roster of artists spanning multiple genres.