Columbia Records

Columbia Records is the oldest surviving brand in recorded sound, founded on January 15, 1889, by Edward D. Easton in Washington, D.C., as the Columbia Phonograph Company. It started by distributing phonographs and cylinder records, then moved to New York City in the early 1900s, growing into a major music industry force. Today, Columbia operates as a flagship label of Sony Music Entertainment, part of Japan's Sony Group Corporation.

The label's catalog spans nearly every genre, featuring artists like Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, Adele, and Bruce Springsteen. Columbia has been home to groundbreaking releases, from jazz and blues to rock and pop. Its influence extends globally through Sony's international network, with headquarters remaining in New York City.

Columbia's product lineup includes recorded music production, distribution, and artist management across physical, digital, and streaming formats. In 2023, the label launched a direct-to-consumer vinyl subscription service and signed emerging stars like Lil Nas X. While revenue isn't broken out separately, Sony Music Group generated about $4.6 billion in 2023. Notable controversies include historical royalty disputes with artists like George Michael and ongoing debates over streaming compensation.[edit]