Research into existing companies that produce and distribute music

videos

Island Records is a record label that was founded by Chris Blackwell and Graeme Goodall in Jamaica. It was based in the United Kingdom for many years and is now owned by Universal Music Group. 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the founding of Island Records, arguably the most prestigious record label in the history of British music. To mark this milestone the label is collaborating with Island founder Chris Blackwell to arrange the Island 50 festival. Chris Blackwell founded the Island label in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959 with capital of just £1000. Relocating to London in the early 60s Blackwell built the most diverse and enviable back catalogue of any independent record label in history. From Island's early Jamaican roots in ska and rock-steady, through the label's expansion to become the cutting edge of progressive rock in the late 60s, and then on to the signing of such international superstars as Bob Marley and U2, Blackwell brought to Island a unique vision and passion which still informs the label's approach to this day. Some of Island Artists: Afrojack, Akon, AlunaGeorge, Avicii, Bob Marley, Disclosure, Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Kelly Rowland, Mac Miller, Mary J Blidge, Mika, Nicki Minaj, Sugababes, Taio Cruz, The Weeknd, Tulisa.

ISLAND RECORDS

The Island Def Jam Music Group (US)Virgin EMI Records(UK)Universal Music Germany (EU)Universal Music Australia (including Island Records Australia)Universal Music Group(Worldwide)

Distributors LocationsNew York City

Santa Monica, California

FounderChris Blackwell in 1959Genre

Various, with a focus on rock and pop

Websitehttp://www.islandrecords.co.uk/

Virgin RecordsVirgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, Nik Powell and Tom Newman in 1972The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Simple Minds, Lenny Kravitz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Mike Oldfield, Spice Girls and more on their list of artists. It was later sold to Thorn EMI in 1992. Its American operations were merged with Capitol Records in 2007 to create the Capitol Music Group. Currently owned by Universal Music Group after its purchase of EMI in 2012, UMG reorganized its British operations to create Virgin EMI Records on March 2013 which absorbed Mercury Records UK. Virgin Records have been distributing for 40 years.

GenreFounderRichard BransonSimon DraperNik PowellTom Newman1972

Various

ArtistsMariah Carey, Emeli Sande, Spice Girls, David Bowie, Janet Jackson, David Guetta, Katy Perry, Gorillaz,

The Chemical Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, Massive Attack,

You Me At Six, UB40, Professor Green, The Kooks, George

Michael, Queen, Jamie T, Daft Punk, Bastille, Adele, Evanescence,

Eurythmics

Country Of OriginUnited Kingdom

LocationHollywood, California, US

DistributorsCapitol Music Group (US)

Virgin EMI (UK)Universal Music Group (International)

ParlophoneParlophone is a record label that was founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch was formed in 1923 as "Parlophone Records" which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz label.

Parlophone is among the best known and most loved record labels in the world. The company joined the Warner Music Group family on July 1st, 2013.

Originally founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon, the British arm of the label was formed in 1923 under the name Parlophone Records, which quickly developed an identity as a leading jazz label. In 1926, Parlophone was acquired by the Columbia Phonograph Company which, a few years later, merged with The Gramophone Company and became Electric and Musical Industries (EMI).

Over the last ten years, Parlophone has broken influential and popular artists including Gorillaz, Tinie Tempah, Eliza Doolittle, Bat For Lashes, Richard Hawley, Conor Maynard and Gabrielle Aplin. The Parlophone catalog also includes legendary recordings from artists such as Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Edith Piaf, Iron Maiden, David Bowie, Tina Turner and Kate Bush

GenreVarious

DistributorsWarner Music Group

ArtistsColdplay, Eliza Doolittle, Gorillaz, Lily Allen, Conor Maynard, David Guetta, Gabrielle Aplin, Kylie Minogue, Tinie Tempah, Blur, Two Door Cinema Club, Dusty Springfield, Beverly Knight, Tina Turner, The Beatles

FoundersCarl Lindström, 1896

Country of OriginGermany & United Kingdom