# PolyGram

> German-Dutch global record label (1962–1999)

**Wikidata**: [Q700359](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q700359)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PolyGram)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/polygram

## Summary
PolyGram was a German-Dutch global record label founded in 1962 and dissolved in 1999, known for its extensive catalog of music across various genres. It was a key player in the phonographic industry, merging Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon to create a major international label.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 1962
- **Dissolved**: 1999
- **Country of Origin**: Netherlands, Germany
- **Parent Companies**: Philips Phonografische Industrie, Deutsche Grammophon
- **Subsidiaries**: DJM Records, Polar Music International AB, Koninklijke Philips NV
- **Industry**: Phonographic industry
- **Website**: http://www.umusic.com/
- **Aliases**: PolyGram N.V.
- **Wikipedia Title**: PolyGram
- **Wikidata Description**: German-Dutch global record label (1962–1999)

## FAQs
**What was PolyGram's primary business?**
PolyGram was a global record label specializing in the marketing and distribution of music recordings and music videos, operating as a brand and trademark within the phonographic industry.

**Which companies were involved in the founding of PolyGram?**
PolyGram was formed through the merger of Philips Records (a Dutch international record label) and Deutsche Grammophon (a German classical music record label).

**What were some of PolyGram's notable subsidiaries?**
PolyGram owned or operated subsidiaries such as DJM Records (a UK record label), Polar Music International AB (a Swedish record company), and Koninklijke Philips NV (a Dutch multinational conglomerate corporation).

**What was PolyGram's relationship with Universal Music Group?**
PolyGram was preceded by Universal Music Group, which later acquired PolyGram in 1999, marking the end of PolyGram's independent existence.

**Which artists and bands were associated with PolyGram?**
PolyGram released music by a wide range of artists, including ABBA, Andrea Bocelli, Khaled, and Caetano Veloso, among others.

## Why It Matters
PolyGram played a pivotal role in the global music industry during its 37-year existence, bridging Dutch and German musical traditions. Its dissolution in 1999 marked a significant shift in the industry, as it was acquired by Universal Music Group, which continued to operate under the PolyGram name. The label was instrumental in shaping the sound of popular music across various genres, from classical to hip-hop, and left a lasting impact on the phonographic industry.

## Notable For
- **Global Reach**: PolyGram was a major international record label, operating in both the Netherlands and Germany.
- **Diverse Catalog**: The label released music by a wide range of artists, including ABBA, Andrea Bocelli, Khaled, and Caetano Veloso.
- **Industry Influence**: PolyGram's dissolution in 1999 led to its acquisition by Universal Music Group, which continued to operate under the PolyGram name.
- **Subsidiary Ownership**: PolyGram owned or operated subsidiaries such as DJM Records, Polar Music International AB, and Koninklijke Philips NV.

## Body
### History
PolyGram was founded in 1962 through the merger of Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon, two prominent record labels from the Netherlands and Germany, respectively. The label quickly established itself as a global player in the phonographic industry, known for its extensive catalog of music across various genres. By 1999, PolyGram was dissolved and acquired by Universal Music Group, which continued to operate under the PolyGram name.

### Ecosystem
PolyGram's ecosystem included a wide range of subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Notable subsidiaries included DJM Records, a UK record label founded in 1969, and Polar Music International AB, a Swedish record company established in 1963. Additionally, PolyGram was associated with Koninklijke Philips NV, a Dutch multinational conglomerate corporation founded in 1891. These subsidiaries and affiliations contributed to PolyGram's global reach and influence in the music industry.

### Related Projects
PolyGram was involved in various related projects, including the release of music by a wide range of artists. Notable releases included albums by ABBA, Andrea Bocelli, Khaled, and Caetano Veloso, among others. The label also released music videos and singles, further expanding its presence in the phonographic industry. Additionally, PolyGram was associated with the film production company Rogue, which was founded in 1997.

### Community
PolyGram's community included a diverse range of artists, musicians, and industry professionals. Notable figures associated with PolyGram included ABBA, Andrea Bocelli, Khaled, and Caetano Veloso, among others. These artists and musicians contributed to the label's extensive catalog of music, shaping the sound of popular music across various genres. Additionally, PolyGram's community included industry professionals such as David Cole, an American record producer who worked with the label.

### Notable People
PolyGram was associated with a wide range of notable people, including artists, musicians, and industry professionals. Notable figures included ABBA, Andrea Bocelli, Khaled, and Caetano Veloso, among others. These artists and musicians contributed to the label's extensive catalog of music, shaping the sound of popular music across various genres. Additionally, PolyGram was associated with industry professionals such as David Cole, an American record producer who worked with the label.

### Locations
PolyGram was headquartered in Amsterdam, the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. The label's headquarters in Amsterdam served as a hub for its global operations, facilitating its international reach and influence in the music industry. Additionally, PolyGram's operations were based in the Netherlands, a country known for its rich musical traditions and contributions to the global music scene.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz