Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

A&M Records

A&M Records is an American founded in 1962 by trumpeter and music industry executive , initially operating out of Alpert's garage in and named after the founders' initials. The label's debut release was Alpert's single "The Lonely Bull" with his Tijuana Brass, which peaked at number six on the and became a gold-certified hit, establishing A&M as a key player in the pop and scene. Over the next two decades, A&M grew into the largest independent record company in history by fostering an artist-friendly environment and signing influential acts such as , , , , , , , , and , producing numerous multi-platinum albums and chart-topping hits across genres like rock, pop, and soul. In 1989, Alpert and Moss sold the label to for approximately $500 million, after which it continued to release successful recordings until PolyGram's acquisition by in 1998 led to its integration into the Interscope Geffen A&M division in 1999, which was revived in 2024 and remains an active imprint.

History

Founding

A&M Records was founded in late 1962 by musician and promoter in , , with operations beginning in Alpert's garage. The partners initially named their venture Carnival Records and released a few singles under that banner, but renamed it A&M Records—drawing from their initials—after learning another company already used the Carnival name. This humble start laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful independent labels in music history. The label's debut release was the single "The Lonely Bull (El Solo Torro)" by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, issued in October 1962. Recorded by Alpert overdubbing his trumpet parts to simulate a brass ensemble, the instrumental track drew inspiration from a bullfight Alpert attended in Tijuana, Mexico, blending Latin rhythms with pop sensibilities. It climbed to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold over one million copies, providing crucial financial momentum and establishing the Tijuana Brass sound as a signature of the label. From the outset, A&M emphasized jazz-inflected pop and instrumental recordings, aligning with Alpert's background as a trumpeter and Moss's experience in promotion. The company operated independently with self-distribution in its earliest phase, relying on personal networks to get records into stores, before securing agreements with larger distributors to broaden national availability. & the Tijuana Brass served as the label's flagship act during this formative period, with their success enabling further artist development.

Growth and Peak Independence

In the late 1960s, A&M Records expanded its operations by acquiring the former Studios at 1416 North in , completing the relocation and renaming it A&M Studios in 1969. This move provided dedicated recording facilities that became a hub for the label's growing roster, attracting top talent and enabling in-house production. During this period, A&M shifted its focus from Latin and pop influences toward , folk, and international sounds, signing key British artists through direct deals and licensing. Notable additions included in 1969, in 1970, with their debut album Offering that year, and in 1975, whose signings diversified the label's output and fueled commercial growth. By the mid-1970s, A&M had established itself as the world's largest , a status solidified by when it transitioned to RCA distribution after previously handling its own. That year, the label reported revenues approaching $200 million annually, reflecting its scale as a privately held powerhouse with over 200 employees. International expansion supported this growth, with A&M Records Ltd. opening in the UK in 1969 under John Deacon and A&M Records of Canada Ltd. forming in 1970 to manage local releases and distribution. These offices enabled global reach, licensing acts like and abroad while maintaining creative control. A&M innovated operationally with a robust in-house department that coordinated , publicity, and artist development, allowing personalized support for roster acts without relying on external agencies. The label also utilized multiple pressing plants for efficient , including custom runs identified by codes like "Y" for Allied Record Company, ensuring high-quality vinyl output during peak demand. In the , these efforts contributed to engineering accolades, such as Larry Levine's Grammy wins for albums recorded at A&M Studios, including contributions to projects . The era's commercial peaks were marked by blockbuster releases, including Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive! in 1976, a double live album that topped the for 10 weeks and achieved 8x platinum certification in the . Similarly, Carole King's (1971), released on Lou Adler's Records and distributed by A&M in key markets, became a cornerstone success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide and earning Album of the Year at the 1972 Grammys. These albums exemplified A&M's ability to nurture singer-songwriters and rock acts to multi-platinum status, cementing its independent dominance through the late .

Acquisition by PolyGram

In October 1989, PolyGram announced its acquisition of A&M Records for approximately $500 million in cash, marking one of the largest deals in the music industry at the time and capping PolyGram's expansion efforts in the American market. The transaction, which included A&M's recording operations and music video interests but excluded its publishing arm Rondor Music, was completed in early 1990. Founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss remained in key management positions post-sale, retaining significant creative oversight to maintain the label's independent ethos during the initial integration phase. This structure allowed A&M to continue operations from its iconic Chaplin Studios headquarters in Hollywood, which PolyGram acquired as part of the deal. PolyGram's strategy focused on leveraging A&M's strong U.S. roster and catalog to enhance its global distribution network, positioning the combined entity as a top player with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. However, the corporate shift introduced tensions in artist relations and internal operations, as PolyGram implemented cost-cutting measures and staff reductions to align A&M with its broader structure. These changes strained relationships, contributing to the eventual departure of several key executives and influencing contract negotiations for prominent acts; for instance, while some artists like continued releasing under the A&M imprint—such as his 1991 album —others expressed dissatisfaction with the evolving corporate environment. Alpert and , who had built A&M on a reputation for artistic autonomy, clashed with PolyGram leadership over these directives, leading to their amicable exit in June 1993 after four years of involvement. Financially, the acquisition solidified 's dominance, with A&M's established catalog—featuring hits from acts like and —contributing to cumulative sales surpassing 100 million units by the early 1990s, enhancing the value of 's overall portfolio. Operationally, A&M persisted as a semi-autonomous imprint under , supporting ongoing releases and artist development amid the transition, though the studios remained in use until their sale to in 1999. This period represented a pivotal shift from A&M's independent peak to corporate alignment, setting the stage for further changes in the late 1990s.

Integration into Universal Music Group

In December 1998, Seagram completed its $10.4 billion acquisition of PolyGram, merging it with Universal Music Group (UMG) and incorporating A&M Records into UMG's expanded structure. This consolidation marked the end of A&M's independent operations under PolyGram, transitioning it fully into UMG's portfolio alongside other labels like Island and Motown. In January 1999, UMG formed (IGA) by combining A&M with and , placing as chairman and CEO of the new umbrella unit. Under IGA, A&M operated as a legacy imprint, with its roster and releases integrated into the broader division's framework. Key operational shifts followed, including the relocation of A&M's offices as UMG consolidated its West Coast presence in Santa Monica, selling the historic A&M lot on in . Artist reallocations occurred across the merged labels; for example, Sheryl Crow's ongoing work shifted to releases under the A&M/Interscope banner within IGA. A&M's back catalog fell under the management of (UMe), UMG's centralized division for handling legacy recordings globally. The integration presented significant challenges, including widespread layoffs in 1999 and 2000 as UMG streamlined operations; approximately 500 positions were eliminated across labels like A&M, Geffen, and Mercury, reducing staff by up to 84% at some imprints. A&M's autonomy diminished within the larger IGA structure, leading to a dilution of its unique identity by the early 2000s, as founders and alleged in a 1999 lawsuit claiming UMG had effectively destroyed the label's operations. Nevertheless, the period saw continued commercial success, such as Sting's Brand New Day album, released on A&M in September 1999 and certified triple platinum by the RIAA.

Revival and Modern Operations

Following its integration into , A&M Records entered a period of dormancy in the , functioning primarily as a legacy imprint within Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) with limited new activity. The label shifted focus to maintaining its historical catalog through reissues and compilations, such as the 2012 release of "A&M 50: The Anniversary Collection," a 60-track, three-CD set curated by founders and that highlighted key recordings across genres like rock, soul, and jazz. In November 2024, Interscope Geffen A&M announced the revival of A&M Records as a standalone under the legal entity A&M Records, LLC, aiming to restore its role in signing and developing new talent. The relaunched label is led by a team of executives focused on blending the original artist-friendly ethos with contemporary strategies. The revival has emphasized building a new roster of emerging pop and rock acts, with initial signings marking a return to innovative, genre-spanning music. Early 2025 projects include collaborative efforts, such as the April partnership with Lost Highway Records, a Nashville-based imprint relaunched under IGA support to nurture country and roots artists while providing enhanced creative resources and global reach. As of November 2025, A&M Records prioritizes platforms and catalog remastering to make its archives accessible to new generations, bolstered by Universal Music Group's infrastructure for worldwide promotion and marketing. This modern approach ensures the label's enduring catalog—featuring icons like and —remains relevant amid streaming dominance. The legacy of Alpert and Moss continues through Almo Sounds, the independent label they founded in 1994 following the sale of A&M, which operated autonomously and signed influential acts such as and before ceasing new releases in 1999.

Roster and Recordings

Notable Artists

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass served as the label's inaugural act and drove its early success through instrumental hits that blended Latin influences with pop orchestration in the 1960s. The group's innovative sound, featuring Alpert's trumpet work, helped establish A&M as a hub for accessible, genre-crossing music during the era. In the 1970s, A&M solidified its reputation with soft rock staples like , the sibling duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter, who signed with the label in 1969 and became synonymous with harmonious, melodic pop that dominated adult contemporary radio. Their polished style and vocal arrangements captured the decade's escapist mood, contributing to A&M's broad appeal in mainstream music. The label also signed folk-rock icons like in 1970, whose introspective songwriting on albums like blended acoustic folk with pop sensibilities, earning multiple platinum certifications. The late 1970s and 1980s marked A&M's embrace of evolving rock sounds, exemplified by and solo artist , who joined the label in 1978 and transitioned from punk-reggae fusion to sophisticated pop, influencing global music with their reggae-rock hybrid that merged sharp rhythms and introspective lyrics. This evolution helped become one of A&M's flagship acts, bridging underground energy with commercial success through the 1990s. A&M's diverse signings included renowned songwriter , who partnered with the label starting in 1967 for recordings and production, bringing his sophisticated compositions—known for intricate harmonies and emotional depth—to A&M's catalog. Similarly, producer played a pivotal role at A&M from the late 1960s, helming sessions that fused jazz, funk, and pop, including landmark productions that showcased his innovative arrangements. International flair came via acts like Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, signed in 1966, whose bossa nova-infused interpretations popularized Brazilian rhythms in the U.S., expanding A&M's global reach. British soul-rock act joined in 1970, with his raw vocal style on Mad Dogs & Englishmen defining gritty live performances and earning platinum status. The 1970s rock era featured high-energy acts such as , whose dynamic guitar work and live performances defined , Styx, known for their theatrical blending hard riffs with conceptual storytelling, and Supertramp, whose like Breakfast in America (1979) topped charts worldwide. In the 1980s, A&M leaned into with bands like UB40, whose reggae-infused ska-punk addressed social themes, and The Human League, pioneers of whose electronic soundscapes captured the decade's futuristic vibe. Pop sensations Janet Jackson signed in 1982, evolving from to innovative artist with albums like Control (1986), and Bryan Adams joined in 1984, delivering rock anthems on Reckless that dominated the 1980s charts. Artists on A&M collectively amassed over 45 Grammy wins, underscoring the label's impact on through innovative sounds and cultural milestones like reggae-rock fusion popularized by . Following its relaunch in November 2024 under Interscope Geffen A&M, the label operates as a legacy imprint focusing on new talent.

Landmark Releases

A&M Records' early success was marked by the 1962 single "" by & the Tijuana Brass, which peaked at No. 6 on the and became the label's first million-selling release. The accompanying album, also titled , reached No. 10 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and earned gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold. The mid-1960s saw further breakthroughs with Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass albums, particularly (1965), which topped the for eight weeks, spent 185 weeks on the chart, and was certified 6x by the RIAA. In the 1970s, ' debut album Close to You (1970) reached No. 2 on the and was certified 2x by the RIAA, driven by the title track's No. 1 single. Joe Cocker's live album Mad Dogs & Englishmen (1970) peaked at No. 2 on the and received certification. Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive! (1976), a double live album, topped the for 10 non-consecutive weeks and holds the distinction of being one of the best-selling live albums ever, with 8x certification from the RIAA. The 1980s and 1990s featured major hits like The Police's Synchronicity (1983), which spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned 8x platinum status from the RIAA, producing the global No. 1 single "Every Breath You Take." Sting's ...Nothing Like the Sun (1987) peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 2x platinum by the RIAA, showcasing his transition to solo artistry with tracks like "We'll Be Together." Carole King's Tapestry (1971, Ode/A&M) spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is certified diamond (14x platinum) by the RIAA. Bryan Adams' Reckless (1984) topped the Billboard 200 and achieved diamond status (14x platinum). Under Universal Music Group, A&M's revival in the 2020s has included catalog remasters and reissues, such as the 2025 all-analog vinyl edition of Joan Baez's Diamonds & Rust and the vinyl reissue of Del Amitri's Some Other Sucker's Parade, alongside debut releases from the relaunched roster. A&M's overall catalog encompasses over 600 albums, with sales exceeding 100 million units worldwide and hundreds of RIAA gold and platinum certifications across its releases.

Subsidiaries and Imprints

Primary Subsidiaries

Almo Sounds was established in 1994 by and following the sale of A&M Records to , serving as an independent label that retained creative control while focusing on diverse genres including rock and . The label signed notable acts such as the band and singer-songwriter , achieving commercial success with releases like Garbage's debut album in 1995. After Alpert and Moss's involvement waned, Almo Sounds transitioned to distribution through , integrating into the broader A&M management under UMG by the early . A&M also distributed Ode Records from 1970 to 1975, an independent label founded by Lou Adler featuring artists like Carole King. To expand globally, A&M established international subsidiaries starting with A&M Records Ltd. in the UK in March 1969, which handled European releases and licensing from the U.S. parent company. This London-based entity played a pivotal role in promoting A&M artists across Europe, adapting marketing strategies for local markets and facilitating hits like Joe Cocker's early work. Similarly, A&M Records of Canada Ltd. was formed in February 1970 to manage Canadian distribution, moving beyond prior licensing agreements with Quality Records to enable localized adaptations and artist signings tailored to North American audiences. These subsidiaries operated under direct A&M control until the PolyGram acquisition, after which they integrated into Universal Music Group's international structure. In November 2024, A&M Records was revived as a brand under Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA), focusing on new artist development. served as general manager from the relaunch until October 2025, when he was replaced by Gregg Nadel. The relaunch incorporated elements from Blanco's prior Interscope imprints, and Mad Love Records, which were dissolved in 2024, emphasizing genre-specific lines for emerging talent.

Associated Labels

A&M Records maintained several key distribution and partnership agreements with independent labels throughout its history, allowing it to expand its reach into diverse genres without full ownership. These associations facilitated shared promotion, manufacturing, and market access, particularly in the United States, while preserving the autonomy of the partner labels. One of the most notable early partnerships was with , an independent label founded by in 1979, which A&M distributed in the U.S. from mid-1979 until early 1985. This deal enabled I.R.S. to release albums by acts such as , whose debut EP (1982) and early albums like Murmur (1983) benefited from A&M's promotional resources and wider distribution network, helping establish the band in the American market. Although I.R.S. operated independently, the collaboration involved joint marketing efforts that amplified visibility for both labels' rosters during the burgeoning and scenes. The partnership ended in 1985 when I.R.S. shifted distribution to , though A&M continued handling reissues from the prior catalog for a time. In the early 1970s, A&M entered a licensing agreement with , the UK-based label led by , to distribute select Island releases in the United States. This arrangement provided A&M with U.S. rights to artists like and , allowing Island's , and blues offerings to penetrate the American market more effectively during a period when A&M was building its independent stature. The deal was particularly vital for Island's expansion beyond the , but it concluded as A&M grew its own international presence and Island pursued other U.S. distribution options by the mid-1970s. During the 1980s, A&M formed a significant distribution partnership with , a California-based label specializing in , , and acoustic instrumental music founded by Will Ackerman in 1976. Under this agreement, starting in 1982, A&M handled manufacturing and nationwide distribution for Windham Hill's catalog, enabling broader commercial success for artists in the burgeoning contemporary instrumental genre. A prime example was pianist , whose breakthrough album Autumn (1980) became a cornerstone of the label's output, achieving Top 100 placement on the Pop Albums chart in 1982 and marking Windham Hill's first major crossover hit following the partnership; subsequent releases like Winter (1982) further solidified the collaboration's impact, with joint promotion helping the label amass over a million in sales by the mid-1980s. The collaboration persisted until PolyGram's 1989 acquisition of A&M, after which distribution transitioned under the new ownership structure. In a more recent development, as of April 2025, Lost Highway Records—a Nashville imprint historically known for and Americana artists—reentered a collaborative phase under the Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) umbrella, marking a focused on contemporary and . This partnership provides Lost Highway with enhanced resources for artist development and global distribution, building on its legacy of releases by figures like and while targeting emerging talents in the Americana space. Led by co-heads Robert Knotts and Jake Gear, the relaunched label operates with IGA's full support, aiming to recapture its influential role in the genre during the 2000s and 2010s.

Film Productions

Establishment of A&M Films

A&M Films was established in July 1981 as the motion picture production arm of A&M Records, founded by and , with an initial emphasis on developing music-driven projects that leveraged the label's artist roster for soundtracks and synergies. The division marked a formal expansion into following an earlier, short-lived venture called A&M Productions in 1968, which attempted to produce films like the uncompleted 'God Speed the Night' but dissolved after about a year. Gil Friesen, then-president of A&M Records, was appointed as president and CEO of A&M Films, guiding its operations toward independent productions often co-financed and distributed through major studios such as and . The operational scope of A&M Films centered on theatrical features, producing over a dozen films during its peak, with budgets typically ranging from low seven figures for intimate dramas to higher amounts for star-driven projects, such as the $1 million for (1985) and approximately $22 million for (1989).) Many productions integrated A&M artists into their soundtracks, enhancing ; for instance, the soundtrack featured , an A&M act, contributing to its commercial success. Distribution partnerships with established studios allowed A&M Films to reach wide audiences without building its own infrastructure, focusing instead on creative development in genres like coming-of-age stories and music documentaries. A&M Films remained active through the late 1980s, releasing key titles until the 1989 acquisition of A&M Records by for $500 million, which incorporated the film division into the larger conglomerate. Post-acquisition, operations continued under until 1996, when A&M Films was merged into , effectively winding down independent activities in the 1990s. The catalog of A&M Films productions is now managed by following its 1998 acquisition of .

Key Projects and Legacy

A&M Productions, the predecessor to A&M Films, produced early music-related projects such as the concert film Mad Dogs and Englishmen (1971), featuring and other A&M artists, which highlighted the label's integration of music and film. A&M Films' notable productions from the 1980s included (1984), a psychological drama directed by starring and , co-produced with . Another key project was (1985), directed by John Hughes, which grossed $51.5 million worldwide against a $1 million budget and featured an A&M soundtrack. (1987), a about directed by , was a commercial success with $54 million in worldwide gross and included music by A&M act on its soundtrack. (1989), directed by and starring , explored the life of Governor .))) The division also explored music-film crossovers, integrating A&M artists into cinematic narratives to blend soundtracks with storytelling. For instance, Joe Cocker, a prominent A&M artist, contributed to early projects like Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Commercially, A&M Films experienced mixed results with its output. While some releases achieved critical acclaim and strong box office performance, such as The Breakfast Club and La Bamba, others like Birdy had modest returns, grossing about $2 million domestically against a $2.5 million budget. Overall, the division oversaw over a dozen releases that collectively grossed hundreds of millions worldwide, establishing a notable presence in the era's competitive landscape. The legacy of A&M Films lies in pioneering music-film integrations, where label artists' contributions elevated soundtracks and influenced subsequent multimedia projects in the industry. Following the 1980s, as A&M Records integrated into , film initiatives were absorbed into UMG's broader media operations, with no new A&M-branded films produced by 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    A&M Records: Independent, With Major Appeal - NPR
    Nov 14, 2012 · Among the first releases on the label was a song Alpert recorded in 1962 with his band, The Tijuana Brass, inspired by the bullfights he and ...
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
    A&M Records' Greatest Hits - Rolling Stone
    Sep 7, 2012 · On the label's 50th anniversary, founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss remember five decades of classic records.
  4. [4]
    A&M Records' 50 Biggest Hits on the Billboard Hot 100 While it Was ...
    Aug 18, 2023 · 1s by Jackson, Amy Grant, Extreme, Bryan Adams, Fergie and Maroon 5. Methodology: Songs, which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1962, ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  5. [5]
    Dutch Company to Buy A&M; Records - Los Angeles Times
    Oct 11, 1989 · The PolyGram BV unit of Dutch-based NV Philips has agreed to acquire A&M; Records, owned by trumpet player Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, ...
  6. [6]
    Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss - Rhino
    Jan 21, 2014 · After learning that another record company had "Carnival" in its name, the pair rechristened their label A&M, using the first initials of their ...Missing: initial Productions
  7. [7]
    Herb Alpert | Biography, Music & News | Billboard
    The Lonely Bull (El Solo Torro). Herb Alpert And Tijuana Brass. 10/27/62. 6 12 ... Chart Beat · A&M Records' 50 Biggest Hits on the Billboard Hot 100 While ...
  8. [8]
    The Lonely Bull (El Solo Torro) by Herb Alpert And Tijuana Brass
    The Lonely Bull (El Solo Torro) by Herb Alpert And Tijuana Brass (1962) hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Listen, view chart stats, read trivia, rate the ...
  9. [9]
    The Lonely Bull | Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - On A&M Records
    The Lonely Bull by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass on A&M Records, United States, SP 4101 with format, tracks, musicians and production credits.
  10. [10]
    Jerry Moss and the story of A&M Records - Christie's
    Oct 10, 2023 · In 1962, at the age of 27, he teamed up with the musician Herb Alpert to found A&M Records. From the outset, they sought to put the artists ...
  11. [11]
    Jerry Moss, the 'M' of A&M Records, Is Dead at 88
    Aug 17, 2023 · Jerry Moss, who with the trumpeter Herb Alpert founded A&M Records, which at its peak from the 1960s to the '80s was an independent powerhouse.
  12. [12]
    Interview of Jerry Moss - UCLA Center for Oral History Research
    ... Charlie Chaplin studios on La Brea Avenue for $1 million and moves its ... 1969, A&M Records, Ltd.—Joe Cocker is signed to the label in 1967 and ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
  13. [13]
  14. [14]
    Changing Face of Record Distribution - The New York Times
    Feb 18, 1979 · Significantly, a key feature of the A&M deal with RCA is a large cash ad vance by RCA against the money A&M is still owed by its independent ...<|separator|>
  15. [15]
    A&M; Records at 25--Success Hasn't Spoiled the Magic
    Jan 4, 1988 · Next, A&M; signed a distribution agreement with Word Records, the largest sacred and gospel music label, which resulted in “Unguarded,” a ...
  16. [16]
    Takeover Targets - Los Angeles Times
    Apr 17, 1989 · A&M; Records, Los Angeles. Owners: Trumpet player Herb Alpert ... Estimated annual sales: $150 million to $200 million. Artists: Guns ...
  17. [17]
  18. [18]
    A&M; Records Closes Urban Unit : Music: Resources shifted to ...
    Oct 15, 1993 · ... promotion, marketing and publicity departments. A&M; will underwrite the restructuring plan with funds saved in closing its in-house division.
  19. [19]
    A&M Records U.S. Labels and Sleeves
    History and galleries of A&M Records U.S. 7-inch and 12-inch singles and albums. Includes how to identify the pressing plant of each recording.Missing: innovations | Show results with:innovations
  20. [20]
  21. [21]
    'Frampton Comes Alive!' Hits No. 1 but Spells Disaster for Peter ...
    Apr 10, 2016 · The live double-album, which would achieve eight-times-platinum status, reached No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart for the week ending April 10, 1976.
  22. [22]
    Tapestry - Carole King
    Tapestry Hand-stitched by: Carole King. Recorded at: A&M Recording ... Distributed by A&M Records. Explore the Discography. Search · Albums · Appears On ...
  23. [23]
    THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Polygram to Acquire A&M
    Oct 12, 1989 · Polygram, the record company owned by Philips NV, has agreed to buy privately owned A&M Records for about $500 million, Polygram officials said yesterday.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  24. [24]
    Polygram to acquire A&M Records - UPI Archives
    Oct 11, 1989 · A&M's gross revenue for 1988 was $300 million. In the deal, PolyGram will get A&M's Los Angeles offices, which include the former Charlie ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  25. [25]
    A&M exex may depart - Variety
    Apr 16, 1993 · Alpert and Moss did not return phone calls seeking comment. After the Polygram purchase, A&M went through a round of cost-cutting and layoffs.
  26. [26]
  27. [27]
    Alpert, Moss leaving A&M - Variety
    Jun 21, 1993 · The departure of Moss and Alpert was described as “the result of an amicable agreement” with Alain Levy, president and CEO of Polygram, which ...
  28. [28]
    Richard Carpenter Redefines Carpenters Classic Hits - PR Newswire
    Dec 11, 2018 · --Since signing with A&M Records in 1969, Carpenters have sold well over 100 million units worldwide. --Carpenters rank as the top-selling ...
  29. [29]
    History - Henson Recording Studios
    In 1999, A&M Records was sold to Universal Music. Subsequently the studio location, including all the recording studio facilities and equipment, was purchased ...
  30. [30]
    U Music Group: new giant of tune town - Variety
    Dec 9, 1998 · When Seagram announces today the closing of its $10.4 billion acquisition of Polygram, it will set in motion a series of dramatic changes ...
  31. [31]
    A Major Merger Shakes Up the World of Rock - The New York Times
    Dec 21, 1998 · Right now is not a good time to be in a rock band. The reason is Seagram's $10.4 billion acquisition of Polygram from Philips.
  32. [32]
    Jimmy Iovine - Music Business Worldwide
    When Interscope merged with Geffen Records and A&M Records in 1999, Iovine ... formed Interscope Geffen A&M, a division of Universal Music Group. He ...
  33. [33]
    Interscope Records - Audiovisual Identity Database
    In 1999, the operations of Interscope Records were merged with those of Geffen Records and A&M Records to become Interscope Geffen A&M Records, one of the newly ...
  34. [34]
    Universal Music to Consolidate in Santa Monica - Los Angeles Times
    Mar 17, 1999 · The company is selling its Geffen building in West Hollywood and the A&M; lot on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. Universal executives and the ...
  35. [35]
    New Sheryl Crow Album Due In February - Billboard
    Nov 5, 2007 · Sheryl Crow will return Feb. 5 with her next A&M/Interscope album, “Detours.” The first single, “Shine Over Bayblon,” is at iTunes now.Missing: reallocation Geffen
  36. [36]
    Universal Music Enterprises - UMG
    Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) is the centralized global catalog division of Universal Music Group (UMG). Working closely with all of UMG's record labels.
  37. [37]
    UMG layoffs loom - Variety
    dubbed IGA — with 290 of the 345 employees of the latter two labels ...Missing: integration 1999-2000
  38. [38]
    A&M; Records Founders to Sue Universal - Los Angeles Times
    Jun 30, 1999 · The founders of A&M; Records will seek $200 million in a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Seagram Co.' Universal Music for allegedly ...
  39. [39]
    News | Celebrating 25 years of Brand New Day... - Sting
    Sep 27, 2024 · Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sting's triple platinum Brand New Day album, this digital-only expanded edition features 20+ bonus tracks.Missing: RIAA | Show results with:RIAA
  40. [40]
    Review: "A&M 50: The Anniversary Collection" - The Second Disc
    Sep 6, 2012 · A&M 50 excels. The three themed discs - "From AM to FM," "A Mission to Rock" and "Soul, Jazz and More" - bring some sort of cohesion to the proceedings.Missing: dormancy 2010s 50th
  41. [41]
    Interscope Geffen A&M - UMG
    Interscope Geffen A&M was formed in 1999 by combining three labels and is a major force in global music, developing artists across genres.
  42. [42]
    ICONIC LOST HIGHWAY RECORDS TEAMS WITH INTERSCOPE ...
    April 15, 2025 (Nashville, TN) – Renowned Lost Highway Records enters a bold new era with the full support of Interscope Geffen A&M. Harkening back to its ...
  43. [43]
    Herb Alpert - Concord
    After selling A&M to PolyGram in 1990 for a sum in excess of $500 million, he and Moss founded a new label, Almo Sounds, in 1994; among the imprint's hit ...
  44. [44]
    Herb Alpert | Tijuana Brass, A&M Records, Albums, & Biography
    Sep 15, 2025 · In 1962 Alpert and Moss founded A&M Records and released the album The Lonely Bull by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, which Alpert recorded ...
  45. [45]
  46. [46]
    Carpenters | Spotify
    ... A&M Records, who signed the duo to his record label in early 1969. Offering, the Carpenters' first album, was released in November 1969. Neither Offering ...
  47. [47]
    Police - On A&M Records
    The original lineup of The Police--Stewart Copeland, Sting and Henry Padovani--began in late 1976. In January 1977 they began rehearsing.
  48. [48]
    The Police (music group) | Research Starters - EBSCO
    Known for their eclectic sound, The Police blended elements of punk, reggae, and pop, achieving commercial success with hits like "Roxanne," "Every Breath You ...Early Years · Album Successes · Growing Apart<|separator|>
  49. [49]
  50. [50]
    Quincy Jones | On A&M Records
    When he produced "We Are the World" in A&M Studio A in 1985, there was a sign that read "Check your ego at the door." Quincy had used that thought in many of ...
  51. [51]
    Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 | On A&M Records
    Discover Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 biography, albums, singles, discography, photos, awards, memorabilia, charts, radio and TV appearances, and more.
  52. [52]
  53. [53]
    A&M Album Discography, Part 9 - Both Sides Now Publications
    Feb 6, 2007 · SP 4923 - Hysteria - Human League [1984] (6-84, #62) I'm Coming Back ... SP 4955 - UB40: 1980-83 - UB40 [1983] King (Album Version)/ ...<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Atlantic Music Group Launches Country-Leaning Imprint - Billboard
    Jul 25, 2025 · Burgeoning Atlantic country artist Sam Barber's 2024 debut ... In April, Los Angeles-based Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) Records relaunched ...
  55. [55]
    herb alpert & the tijuana brass albums - On A&M Records
    Billboard's Top LP's for 1967 included The Lonely Bull at #21. In 1966, The Lonely Bull was certified gold by the R.I.A.A.. In 1977 the R.I.A.A. began ...
  56. [56]
    HERB ALPERT album sales - BestSellingAlbums.org
    ... HERB ALPERT. Sales ... VOLUME 2 (1963) · HERB ALPERT. Sales: 500,000. Rankings: Rank in 1963 : 22. Rank in 1960's : 464. Overall rank : 13021. 11. THE LONELY BULL ...Missing: figures | Show results with:figures
  57. [57]
    Herb Alpert - Album artist 83 - TSort.info
    Whipped Cream & Other Delights, 1965, Billboard 1 - May 1965 (185 weeks) (8 ... 1979, US Platinum (certified by RIAA in Feb 1980), Billboard 6 - Oct 1979 ...
  58. [58]
    Billboard Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums - Rate Your Music
    Whipped Cream & Other Delights. 13.Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass · Whipped Cream ... RIAA Certification: 6x Platinum Grammys: 2010 Album of the Year ...
  59. [59]
    CARPENTERS album sales - BestSellingAlbums.org
    ... 4x Platinum. United Kingdom, VOICE OF THE HEART, 100,000, 1x Gold. United Kingdom. Album ... CLOSE TO YOU. Sales: 2,000,000. Certification / source: 2x Platinum.
  60. [60]
    'Frampton Comes Alive': Peter Frampton's Live Epiphany
    The evolution of Peter Frampton​​ In the summer of 2011, the RIAA certified it eight-times platinum, and worldwide sales stand have been reported at twice that ...
  61. [61]
  62. [62]
    Sting Celebrates 35th Anniversary of ...Nothing Like The Sun with ...
    Oct 13, 2022 · Nothing Like the Sun has been certified 2x platinum by the RIAA, topped the album charts in two countries, the UK and Japan, and also peaked ...
  63. [63]
    Joan Baez: Diamonds & Rust—Analogue Productions 45 RPM All ...
    Aug 1, 2025 · Originally released in 1975 on A&M Records, Diamonds & Rust marked a major evolution in Joan Baez's career. Known throughout the 1960s as ...
  64. [64]
    DEL AMITRI - Some Other Sucker's Parade - Vinyl LP - 2025 Reissue
    In stockRelease Date: 11/07/2025. Originally released on A&M Records in June 1997, the album captures a group secure of their success and gently kicking back against ...
  65. [65]
    A&M Album Discography - Both Sides Now Publications
    Mar 18, 2025 · A & M was a "middle of the road" music record company initially recording pop music almost exclusively. Later through the efforts of Jerry Moss, ...
  66. [66]
    A&M Records | American company - Britannica
    A&M Records, founded by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss in 1962, became a top independent label, signing artists like Carole King and the Carpenters.
  67. [67]
    Almo Sounds | On A&M Records
    Almo Sounds registered two trademarks. First was "Almo" that was filed on February 17, 1994 and registered on August 20, 1996. The second, Almo Sounds, Inc.
  68. [68]
  69. [69]
  70. [70]
  71. [71]
  72. [72]
    A&M Records Canada History
    A&M RECORDS CANADA HISTORY: THE 1960s. 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969. Until February 1970, when A&M Records of Canada was established, A&M recordings from ...
  73. [73]
    A&M Records (Creator) - TV Tropes
    In 1979, they signed a distribution deal with I.R.S. Records that would also give major label distribution for acts like The Go-Go's and R.E.M., with A&M ...Missing: self | Show results with:self
  74. [74]
    A&M Records History | On A&M Records
    A&M Records history 1962-present with label innovations, artist signings, album and single chart performances, music awards, promotions and more.1967 · 1969 · 1976 · 1978
  75. [75]
    I.R.S. Records | On A&M Records
    Until I.R.S. and A&M Records (U.S.) signed a distribution agreement in mid-1979, I.R.S. products in the U.S. were all imported from England. The first U.S. ...
  76. [76]
    I.R.S. Album Discography - Both Sides Now Publications
    Feb 19, 2018 · I.R.S. was initially distributed by A&M. In early 1985, I.R.S. switched to MCA for distribution of all new material, although A&M continued ...
  77. [77]
    Windham Hill Records | On A&M Records
    George Winston was the first Windham Hill artist to have success on the Billboard Pop Album chart. In 1982, he had a Top 100 and Top 200 album. In both 1983 and ...
  78. [78]
    Windham Hill Album Discography - Both Sides Now Publications
    Aug 29, 2005 · By 1982 he had recruited his cousin, Alex DeGrassi, as well as pianists George Winston and Liz Story to the label, and was getting some notice ...
  79. [79]
    Kobalt Partners With EDM Label Thrive Music - Variety
    Apr 17, 2025 · Paak, Daniel Caesar, Jhené Aiko, Kehlani and Swae Lee. “We've long admired the way Zach and Caroline discover, nurture, and build the careers of ...
  80. [80]
    A&M Films & Video | On A&M Records
    The division oversaw the creation of market videos fot the home market and its promotional videos were serviced to broadcast and cable television and clubs.
  81. [81]
    Legendary A&M Records Exec Gil Friesen Dies at 75
    Dec 14, 2012 · Friesen launched the independent company A&M Films in 1981. In addition to the coming-of-age drama The Breakfast Club (1985), he executive ...
  82. [82]
    Former A&M; president Gil Friesen dies at 75 - Los Angeles Times
    Dec 14, 2012 · He was 75. Friesen, best known for his tenure as president of A&M; Records and A&M; Films, passed away at his Brentwood home on Thursday.
  83. [83]
    The Breakfast Club (1985) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Financial analysis of The Breakfast Club (1985) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.
  84. [84]
    Polygram Plots Its Return To Film Biz - Variety
    This time it's carefully spreading its eggs around a number of baskets: It owns A&M Films (inherited as part of the acquisition of A&M records last year) and ...
  85. [85]
    End of the Game - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 43% (7) Movie Info ; Rating: PG ; Genre: Mystery & Thriller ; Original Language: English ; Release Date (Theaters): May 12, 1976, Original ; Runtime: 1h 47m.
  86. [86]
    The Last Detail (1973) - IMDb
    Rating 7.5/10 (30,507) Two Navy men are ordered to bring a young offender to prison, but decide to show him one last good time along the way.Full cast & crew · Trivia · Plot · User reviewsMissing: A&M notable Sorcerer
  87. [87]
    Sorcerer (1977) - Box Office and Financial Information - The Numbers
    Financial analysis of Sorcerer (1977) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.Missing: A&M | Show results with:A&M
  88. [88]
    Joe Cocker - On A&M Records
    Discover recording artist Joe Cocker biography, albums, singles, discography, photos, awards, memorabilia, charts, radio and TV appearances, and more.