# Capitol Records > American record label **Wikidata**: [Q193023](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193023) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Records) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/capitol-records ## Summary Capitol Records is an American record label founded in 1942 and headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It operates as a major label within the Universal Music Group portfolio and has been instrumental in shaping the modern music industry, representing a vast catalog of artists spanning virtually every genre from rock and pop to jazz, country, and hip-hop. The label was co-founded by Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva, with Mercer being a renowned lyricist and songwriter, and has grown to become one of the most recognizable and influential record labels in the world. ## Key Facts - **Founded:** 1942 - **Type:** American record label - **Parent Company:** Universal Music Group (Dutch-American music corporation founded in September 1934) - **Headquarters Location:** Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States - **Geographic Coordinates:** Latitude 34.10316666666667, Longitude -118.32636111111111 - **Website:** http://www.capitolrecords.com/ - **Founders:** Johnny Mercer (American lyricist, songwriter, singer and record executive, 1909–1976) and Buddy DeSylva (American songwriter, film producer and record executive, 1895–1950) - **Wikipedia Title:** Capitol Records - **Wikidata Description:** American record label - **Sitelink Count:** 50 - **Aliases:** Capitol ## FAQs **Who owns Capitol Records?** Capitol Records is owned and operated by Universal Music Group, a Dutch-American music corporation headquartered in multiple locations including Santa Monica, New York, London, and Berlin. Universal Music Group was founded in September 1934 and is the largest music recording and publishing company in the world. **What sub-labels are part of Capitol Records?** Capitol Records operates several sub-labels including Aladdin (founded in 1945) and Metamorphosis Music (founded in 2014), both American record labels that fall under the Capitol Records umbrella. **Who were the founders of Capitol Records?** Capitol Records was co-founded by Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva. Johnny Mercer was a celebrated American lyricist, songwriter, and singer who won multiple Academy Awards for his work. Buddy DeSylva was a songwriter, film producer, and record executive who played a crucial role in the label's early development. **What are some notable artists who have recorded with Capitol Records?** Capitol Records has represented an extensive roster of artists including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Katy Perry, Tina Turner, Megadeth, Radiohead, Coldplay, Sam Smith, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, and countless others spanning multiple decades and genres. **Where is Capitol Records located?** Capitol Records is headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, with the specific coordinates of latitude 34.10316666666667 and longitude -118.32636111111111. ## Why It Matters Capitol Records holds a pivotal position in the global music industry due to its extensive history, vast catalog, and influence on popular music culture. As one of the oldest and most prestigious American record labels, it has been the home to some of the most influential artists and albums in music history. The label's founding in 1942 coincided with a transformative period in American music, and it has since become synonymous with innovation in the recording industry. The label matters because it has served as a launching pad for countless artists who have gone on to become global superstars, while also preserving and promoting the catalogs of legacy artists. Its association with Universal Music Group provides it with unparalleled distribution capabilities and resources, allowing it to operate at the forefront of an industry that has undergone dramatic changes from vinyl records to streaming platforms. Capitol Records also matters because of its architectural significance—the iconic Capitol Records building in Hollywood, with its distinctive round, tower-like design, has become a landmark and symbol of the music industry itself. The label's continued relevance in the 21st century demonstrates its ability to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining its core identity as a home for musical excellence. ## Notable For - Housing the catalogs of The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in music history, as well as the Beach Boys, who revolutionized rock music with albums like "Pet Sounds" - Being the American home for international artists including Coldplay, Radiohead, and Kylie Minogue - Representing genre diversity across rock, pop, jazz, country, metal, and hip-hop - The iconic Capitol Records building in Hollywood, designed to resemble a stack of records with a spinning globe at the top - Long-standing relationships with legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and The Beatles - Continuing to sign and develop contemporary artists like Katy Perry, Sam Smith, and 5 Seconds of Summer - Operating under Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company ## Body ### History and Founding Capitol Records was established in 1942 during World War II, a period that presented both challenges and opportunities for the emerging music industry. The label was founded by Johnny Mercer, a renowned American lyricist who had won multiple Academy Awards for his songwriting, and Buddy DeSylva, a songwriter, film producer, and record executive. Their vision was to create a record label that would compete with the major labels of the era while providing artists with creative freedom and fair treatment. The timing of the label's founding was significant, as the wartime period saw increased demand for recorded music as entertainment, while simultaneously facing constraints on raw materials like shellac used for record production. Despite these challenges, Capitol Records quickly established itself as a force in the industry, leveraging Mercer's connections in Hollywood and the entertainment industry to attract talent. ### Corporate Structure and Ownership Capitol Records operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, the Dutch-American music corporation founded in September 1934. Universal Music Group has its headquarters in multiple locations including Santa Monica, California; New York City; London; and Berlin, making it a truly global enterprise. The company employs thousands of people across its various divisions and represents the largest share of the global music market. Within the Capitol Records family, there are several sub-labels that operate independently while benefiting from Capitol's infrastructure and distribution networks. Aladdin Records was founded in 1945 and has continued to operate as a Capitol-affiliated label, while Metamorphosis Music was established in 2014 to focus on developing contemporary artists. This multi-label approach allows Capitol Records to cater to different genres and market segments while maintaining its core brand identity. ### Geographic Presence The headquarters of Capitol Records is located in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, specifically at coordinates 34.10316666666667 latitude and -118.32636111111111 longitude. This location places the label at the heart of the American entertainment industry, in close proximity to major film studios, television networks, and other entertainment companies. The iconic Capitol Records building, with its distinctive round tower design topped by a spinning globe, has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hollywood since its construction. ### Key Personnel The founding of Capitol Records was driven by two remarkable individuals whose contributions shaped the label's early direction and long-term success. Johnny Mercer (1909-1976) was not only a co-founder but also an accomplished lyricist and singer who wrote some of America's most beloved songs, including "Moon River" and "Days of Wine and Roses." His artistic vision helped establish Capitol Records as a label that valued artistic excellence and creative innovation. Buddy DeSylva (1895-1950) brought his expertise as a songwriter, film producer, and record executive to the partnership. His experience in multiple facets of the entertainment industry proved invaluable in navigating the business aspects of running a record label during its formative years. Together, Mercer and DeSylva created a foundation that would support decades of growth and success. Several other notable individuals have been affiliated with Capitol Records throughout its history. Ed Thrasher was an American graphic designer (1932-2006) who contributed to the label's visual identity, while Dave Goldberg (1967-2015) served as a businessman within the organization. These individuals, among many others, have helped shape Capitol Records' culture and operations over the years. ### Artist Roster and Catalog Capitol Records has been home to an extraordinary range of artists spanning virtually every genre of popular music. The label's rock presence includes some of the most influential bands in history, starting with The Beatles, whose American releases through Capitol helped introduce the British Invasion to American audiences. The Beach Boys, another Capitol cornerstone, revolutionized rock music with their innovative use of studio techniques on albums like "Pet Sounds" and "Pet Sounds." In the rock and metal genres, Capitol has represented Megadeth (thrash metal), Iron Maiden (British heavy metal), Pink Floyd (progressive rock), Radiohead (alternative rock), and Foo Fighters (alternative rock). The label has also maintained a strong presence in pop music, representing artists like Katy Perry, whose albums "Teenage Dream" and "Prism" achieved massive commercial success, as well as Sam Smith, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Kylie Minogue. The label's jazz catalog is particularly impressive, featuring legends like Miles Davis, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Art Tatum. These artists recorded some of the most celebrated jazz albums in history and continue to influence musicians today. Capitol's country music division has represented artists including Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, and Rosanne Cash, among many others. Hip-hop and R&B artists have also been well-represented on Capitol's roster, with acts like 50 Cent, Migos, Jennifer Lopez, and Mary J. Blige. The label has demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining its core strength in rock, pop, and jazz. ### Notable Releases Capitol Records has been responsible for releasing some of the most significant albums in music history. The Beatles' American discography, including iconic albums like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Abbey Road," and the "Anthology" series, has been central to the label's identity. The Beach Boys' catalog, particularly "Pet Sounds," has been cited by many musicians and critics as one of the greatest albums ever made. In more recent years, Capitol has released successful albums by Coldplay ("A Rush of Blood to the Head," "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends"), Katy Perry ("Teenage Dream," "Prism," "Witness"), Sam Smith ("In the Lonely Hour," "The Thrill of It All"), and many others. The label has also handled releases by classic rock acts like Queen, Tina Turner, and Bob Seger, ensuring that these artists' catalogs remain accessible to new generations of listeners. ### Industry Impact and Legacy Capitol Records' impact on the music industry extends far beyond its impressive catalog of releases. The label has been instrumental in developing artists who have gone on to become global superstars, providing them with the resources, support, and creative freedom needed to achieve their artistic vision. This commitment to artist development has been a hallmark of the label's philosophy since its founding. The label's ability to adapt to industry changes over the decades demonstrates its resilience and forward-thinking approach. From the early days of vinyl records through the CD revolution, the download era, and now the streaming age, Capitol Records has maintained its position as a major player in the music industry. This adaptability, combined with a commitment to quality and innovation, has ensured the label's continued relevance in an industry that has undergone dramatic transformation. Capitol Records' association with Universal Music Group provides it with unmatched distribution capabilities and financial resources, allowing the label to compete effectively in a global marketplace while maintaining its distinctive identity. This partnership has enabled Capitol to invest in new artists, develop innovative marketing strategies, and navigate the complex landscape of modern music distribution. ### Related Organizations and Sub-Labels Beyond its main operations, Capitol Records maintains relationships with several related organizations and sub-labels. Aladdin Records, founded in 1945, has operated as a Capitol-affiliated label and has been reactivated for various releases over the years. Metamorphosis Music, established in 2014, represents the label's commitment to discovering and developing new talent in the contemporary music market. The relationship with Universal Music Group connects Capitol Records to a vast network of labels and artists within the world's largest music company. This includes access to distribution infrastructure, marketing resources, and international offices that enable Capitol to operate on a global scale while maintaining its distinct brand identity. ### Cultural Significance The Capitol Records building itself has become a cultural landmark and symbol of the music industry. Its distinctive design, featuring a round tower that resembles a stack of records with a spinning globe at the top, has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and photographs. The building serves as a physical manifestation of the label's importance in American popular culture. Capitol Records has also played a significant role in shaping the careers of countless artists, providing them with a platform to reach audiences around the world. Many of the most celebrated names in music history have passed through Capitol's doors, and the label's influence can be heard in the countless albums that have shaped popular music over the past eight decades. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Giphy 3. Quora 4. Rate Your Music