EMI

EMI Records took shape in 1973 after The Gramophone Company Ltd. adopted the name EMI Records Ltd. In January that year, its imprint replaced Columbia, Parlophone, Harvest, Sovereign and Regal as the company’s pop labels. It followed the Columbia and Parlophone imprints and had been designated EMI’s flagship label in 1972. The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd and Kate Bush were among its signings. EMI Records launched the careers of Iron Maiden and Duran Duran. Chase & Status issued the album No More Idols through EMI in 2011.

Universal Music Group took over EMI’s recorded music division in 2012, while Warner Music acquired Parlophone. In 2020, UMG renamed Virgin EMI Records as EMI Records and relaunched the label in Europe. Taylor Swift, Bastille and Loyle Carner featured on its roster. EMI Records also established EMI North, extending its presence beyond London.