Articles — record labels

Atlantic Records holds a special place in the annals of music history, its journey spanning decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Established in 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson, Atlantic Records emerged as a beacon of innovation, diversity, and artistic excellence in the realm of popular music. Over the years, it became synonymous with groundbreaking artists, iconic recordings, and cultural phenomena, shaping the landscape of modern music in profound ways. The early years of Atlantic Records were characterized by a commitment to rhythm and blues (R&B), a genre that was burgeoning in the post-war era....

We thought it would be fun to create a pictorial essay of the kaleidoscope of record label designs created over the years. The creative services teams at record labels, composed of artists and graphic designers, were responsible for creating these artworks. They had to be eye catching, represent both the record label brand and the artist, and do this all in the 3.5" (45s) or 4" (LPs) diameter circle of paper that would get pressed into the hot vinyl of the record during manufacture. Some labels wanted people to rely on their label for a certain genre of music during certain eras. Atlantic,...