Epic Records is an American record label, and subsidiary of Sony BMG.History
Epic was launched originally as a jazz and classical music label in 1953 by CBS. Its bright-yellow, black and blue logo became a familiar trademark for many jazz and classical 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 Orchestra.
Ten years later, Epic earned its first gold records and developed into a formidable hit-making force in rock and roll, R&B and country music. Among its many acts, it included Bobby Vinton, The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, Tammy Wynette, 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, ABBA, The Isley Brothers, Edgar Winter and Charlie Rich.
The likes of Meat Loaf, The Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, 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 include LIVE, 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), Tori Amos and Céline Dion (on the 550 imprint).
The imprint Epic Street was formed for hip-hop artists.
It is currently part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Sony Corporation bought all of CBS's labels in 1988, and created a joint venture between its music division and BMG in 2004.Epic Artists
Artists who have recorded for Epic includes (listed alphabetically):
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