Mercury Records

Mercury Records is a renowned American record label founded in 1945 by Irving Green, Ray Greenberg, Arthur Talmadge, and Harold Chapman. The label was initially headquartered in Chicago and later moved to New York City, where it became a major player in the music industry, signing artists such as Patti Page, Vic Damone, and Tony Bennett. Mercury Records was acquired by PolyGram in 1961 and later became part of Universal Music Group after the merger with MCA Music Entertainment Group. The label has been associated with notable industry figures, including Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, and Quincy Jones.

● History

The history of Mercury Records is closely tied to the development of the music industry in the United States. Founded during the post-World War II era, the label quickly gained popularity with the release of Patti Page's hit single "Tennessee Waltz", which topped the Billboard charts in 1950. Mercury Records also played a significant role in the careers of Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, and Brook Benton, who all achieved commercial success with the label. The 1960s saw the rise of The Platters, The Drifters, and The Four Seasons, who were all signed to Mercury Records or its subsidiaries, such as Wing Records and Smash Records. The label's success during this period was also influenced by the work of producers like Shadow Morton and Wes Farrell.

● Artists

Mercury Records has been home to a diverse range of artists, including Elton John, Queen, KISS, Aerosmith, and Def Leppard. The label has also signed notable artists such as Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, and Van Halen, who have all achieved significant commercial success. Other notable artists associated with Mercury Records include Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Doobie Brothers, who were all part of the label's roster during the 1970s. The label has also been involved in the careers of Rod Stewart, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac, who have all released music through Mercury Records or its subsidiaries, such as Vertigo Records and Phonogram Records.

● Discography

The discography of Mercury Records is extensive and includes a wide range of genres, from rock music to jazz and classical music. Notable albums released on the label include Queen's A Night at the Opera, KISS's Alive!, and Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The label has also released music by The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Led Zeppelin, who have all had successful careers with Mercury Records or its subsidiaries, such as Atlantic Records and Swan Song Records. Other notable releases on the label include The Platters' "Only You", The Drifters' "Under the Boardwalk", and Brook Benton's "Rainy Night in Georgia".

● Sublabels

Mercury Records has had several sublabels throughout its history, including Wing Records, Smash Records, and Fontana Records. These sublabels have been used to release music by a variety of artists, including The Four Seasons, The Drifters, and Sister Sledge. Other notable sublabels associated with Mercury Records include Vertigo Records, Phonogram Records, and A&M Records, which have all been involved in the release of music by notable artists such as Pink Floyd, The Police, and The Carpenters. The label has also been associated with Island Records, Motown Records, and Capitol Records, which have all had successful partnerships with Mercury Records.

● Legacy

The legacy of Mercury Records is significant, with the label having played a major role in the development of the music industry. The label has been associated with numerous notable artists and has released a wide range of influential albums. Mercury Records has also been recognized for its contributions to the music industry, with the label being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The label's influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, who have all been influenced by the music released on Mercury Records. The label continues to be an important part of the music industry, with its catalog including music by notable artists such as Elton John, Queen, and KISS. Category:Record labels