Epic Records is a record label launched originally as a jazz and classical label in 1953 by CBS. Its bright-yellow and black logo became a familiar trademark for many jazz and classical music releases. This has included such notables as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Juilliard String Quartet, Antal Doráti conducting the Hague Philharmonic and George Szell conducting the Cleveland Philharmonic.
Ten years later, Epic earned its first gold records and developed into a formidable hit-making force in Rock, R&B and Country. Among its many acts, it included Bobby Vinton, The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, Donovan, The Yardbirds, Lulu, and Jeff Beck.
During the 1970s, its success extended to include The Clash, Sly And The Family Stone, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Johnny Nash, The Isley Brothers, Edgar Winter and Charlie Rich.
The likes of Meatloaf, The Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osborne, Sade, Luther Vandross, Gloria Estefan, George Michael and Cyndi Lauper paved the way for Epic’s multiplatinum 1980s and 1990s successes. Cyndi Lauper was released via sister label Portrait Records.
Other artists signed to Epic are AC/DC, Bad Religion, Duran Duran, Rage Against The Machine, Suicidal Tendencies, Macy Gray, B*Witched (via Glowworm Records), Bone Thugs N Harmony (via Ruthless Records), Jennifer Lopez (from the Work label), and Céline Dion (on the 550 imprint).
It is currently part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Sony Corporation bought all of CBS’s labels in 1988, and merged its music division with Bertelsmann’s BMG in 2004.
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