MGM Records

MGM Records. It was an American record label established in 1946 as a division of the major film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Initially created to release soundtracks from its parent company's films, the label expanded into the popular music market, achieving significant commercial success throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Its catalog spanned genres from rock and roll and country music to jazz and easy listening, and it operated several notable subsidiary imprints before its eventual dissolution in the early 1980s.

History

The label was launched in 1946, capitalizing on the post-war boom in both the film and music industries. Its early years were dominated by releases from the MGM studio orchestra and soundtracks for major films like Easter Parade. Under the leadership of executives like Frank Walker, the company aggressively entered the pop market in the early 1950s, successfully recruiting established stars. A pivotal moment came in 1957 with the acquisition of the catalog and master recordings of the bankrupt Lion Records, which provided a wealth of material. The label flourished throughout the 1960s, but faced challenges after its 1972 sale to PolyGram, leading to a period of decline and the eventual phasing out of the brand a decade later.

Notable artists

The label's roster featured a diverse array of major talent across multiple decades. In pop and rock, it was home to Connie Francis, one of the best-selling female artists of the late 1950s and early 1960s, and Herman's Hermits, who achieved massive success during the British Invasion. The label also distributed the early works of The Animals and The Velvet Underground. In country music, it boasted legends like Hank Williams Jr., Roy Orbison, and Sheb Wooley. Other significant artists included the instrumental group The Ventures, pop vocalist Lesley Gore, and orchestra leader Ray Conniff. The jazz division featured recordings by stars such as Stan Getz and Sarah Vaughan.

Labels and subsidiaries

MGM Records operated and distributed several important subsidiary labels to cater to specific markets. The most prominent was Verve Records, a premier jazz label founded by Norman Granz, which was acquired in 1961 and housed iconic artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. Another key subsidiary was MGM's own eponymous label for soundtrack releases. The company also distributed Polydor Records releases in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s, introducing American audiences to acts like the Bee Gees and James Last. For budget-conscious consumers, it operated the MGM Lion and MGM Parade lines.

Soundtrack and film work

The label's foundational business was the release of music from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's extensive film library. It issued countless soundtrack albums for major musicals, including Gigi, Singin' in the Rain, and An American in Paris, often featuring stars like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. The success of the rock and roll film Jailhouse Rock, starring Elvis Presley, demonstrated the potent synergy between the studio and the label. Later, it released music from the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun and the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Business operations and legacy

The label was originally operated as a division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer before being sold to PolyGram in 1972. Key to its operations were manufacturing plants and distribution deals that ensured national reach. Its catalog, including the invaluable Verve Records archive, became a highly prized asset. After the label's dissolution in 1982, its master recordings and intellectual property passed through various corporate owners, including Seagram and Universal Music Group. Today, the vast MGM recorded music library is managed by Universal Music Enterprises, ensuring the continued reissue and digital availability of its historic recordings, which remain influential in the American music industry.

Category:American record labels Category:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer