{{short description|American record label}} {{About|the American Epic Records|the Japanese Epic Records under Sony Music Entertainment Japan|Epic Records Japan}} {{Use American English|date=July 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Infobox record label | bgcolor = #d50000 | name = {{color|White|Epic Records}} | image_name = Epic Records.svg | image_size = 160px | caption = | parent = Sony Music Entertainment (SME) (1987–2004, 2008–present)<br>'''Previous:'''<br>Columbia Records (1953–1987)<br>Sony BMG (2004–2008) | founded = {{start date and age|1953}} | founder = Columbia Records | status = <!-- leave blank unless "Inactive" or "Defunct" --> | distributor = Sony Music Entertainment | genre = Various | country = United States | location = New York City | url = {{URL|epicrecords.com}} }}
'''Epic Records''' is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Sony. The label was founded predominantly as a jazz and classical music label in 1953, but later expanded its scope to include a more diverse range of genres, including pop, R&B, rock, and hip-hop. Epic Records' current artists roster includes Travis Scott, Future, 21 Savage, Tyla, Meghan Trainor, André 3000, Tori Kelly, Beam, Bia, Judas Priest, Sade, Lamb of God, Coi Leray, DDG, Zara Larsson, Doe Boy, Eddie Benjamin, Fiona Apple, Giveon, Headie One, Mariah the Scientist, Yolanda Adams, Tom Walker, and will.i.am.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Epic Records|url=https://www.epicrecords.com/|access-date=February 23, 2025}}</ref>
==History== ===Beginnings=== Epic Records was launched in 1953 by the Columbia Records unit of CBS, for the purpose of marketing jazz, pop, and classical music that did not fit the theme of its more mainstream Columbia Records label. Initial classical music releases were licensed from Philips Records, which distributed Columbia product in Europe.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAoEAAAAMBAJ&dq=columbia+%2B+epic+%2B+okeh&pg=PA16 Billboard - Google Books] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520125640/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA16&lpg=PA16&dq=columbia+%2B+epic+%2B+okeh&source=bl&ots=zLVAWcOYKf&sig=zwcqb6Bs0MiuOIfg0DlokxSJy5E&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2ORAUJr_C9KCqQHl24HoCg&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBjgK#v=onepage&q=columbia%20%2B%20epic%20%2B%20okeh&f=false |date=May 20, 2016 }}. Books.google.com (1953-09-19). Retrieved on 2013-07-16.</ref> Pop talent on co-owned Okeh Records were transferred to Epic which made Okeh a rhythm and blues label.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAoEAAAAMBAJ&q=epic+%2B+okeh&pg=PA16 |title=Billboard - Google Books |date=1953-09-19 |access-date=2011-12-23 |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708000126/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAoEAAAAMBAJ&q=epic+%2B+okeh&pg=PA16 |url-status=live }}</ref> Epic's 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, Charles Rosen, the Juilliard String Quartet, Antal Doráti conducting the Hague Philharmonic, and George Szell conducting the Cleveland Orchestra.
===Expansion of genres and mainstream success=== By 1960, Epic became better known for signing newer, fledgling acts. By the end of the 1960s, Epic earned its first gold records and had evolved into a formidable hit-making force in rock and roll, R&B and country music. Among its many acts, it included Roy Hamilton, Bobby Vinton, the Dave Clark Five, the Hollies, Tammy Wynette, Donovan, the Yardbirds, Lulu, July, Helen Shapiro, Cliff Richard, and Jeff Beck. Several of the British artists on the Epic roster during the 1960s were the result of CBS's Epic/Okeh units' 1962 international distribution deal with EMI; Epic recordings were issued via this arrangement by EMI on the Columbia label. Other British artists appearing on Epic were a result of signings to the new UK CBS affiliate formed after the acquisition of Oriole Records (UK) in August 1964.
Epic was involved in a notable "trade" of artists. Graham Nash was signed to Epic because of his membership in The Hollies. When the newly formed Crosby, Stills & Nash wanted to sign with Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun worked out a deal with Clive Davis whereby Richie Furay's new band Poco (having signed with Atlantic due to Furay's contract from being in Buffalo Springfield) would sign with Epic.<ref>Robert Greenfield. ''The Last Sultan: The Life and Times of Ahmet Ertegun''. Simon and Schuster. 2011. 202-3.</ref>
=== Corporate structure === During the 1960s, Epic oversaw the smaller subsidiary CBS labels including Okeh Records and Date Records. In 1968, Epic recordings began being distributed in the UK by CBS after the distribution deal with EMI expired that year;<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pwoEAAAAMBAJ&q=okeh+%2B+cbs&pg=PA46 |title=Billboard - Google Books |date=1968-05-11 |access-date=2011-12-23 |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708000203/https://books.google.com/books?id=pwoEAAAAMBAJ&q=okeh+%2B+cbs&pg=PA46 |url-status=live }}</ref> Epic itself launched in England around 1971.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://7tt77.co.uk/EPIC.html |title=EPIC<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=October 11, 2016 |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011230026/http://7tt77.co.uk/EPIC.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Sony Corporation bought CBS Records in 1987, and the company was renamed Sony Music Entertainment in 1991. It began splitting European operations into two separate labels, Epic and Columbia, in 1992, and in 1997, Sony Music Australia and New Zealand followed suit.<ref name="sony music germany">{{cite magazine|last1=Barker|first1=Michael|title=Sony Germany Music Splitting Marketing Division|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hxAEAAAAMBAJ&q=sony+music+splits+epic+and+columbia+in+europe&pg=PA35|access-date=16 June 2017|magazine=Billboard|date=July 25, 1992}}</ref>
In 2004, Sony merged with music distributor BMG, bringing Arista Records, Columbia Records, Epic Records, J Records, Jive Records, RCA Records, and Zomba Group of Companies to one parent company known as Sony BMG Music Entertainment.<ref name="LA Times merger">{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Chuck|title=Merger of Sony, BMG Music Labels Wins Endorsement of European Commission|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-20-fi-sonybmg20-story.html|access-date=16 June 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 20, 2004|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506141647/http://articles.latimes.com/2004/jul/20/business/fi-sonybmg20|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Sony bought out BMG for $1.2 billion, bringing all affiliated labels together as Sony Music Entertainment International, SMEI. The merger was approved by the European Union in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wray|first1=Richard|title=Sony Buys Bertelsmann Out of Sony BMG|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/aug/05/sony.bertlesmann|access-date=16 June 2017|work=The Guardian|date=August 8, 2009|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043310/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/aug/05/sony.bertlesmann|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 1980s–2010=== In 1983, John Hammond Sr. signed Stevie Ray Vaughan to Epic Records. Epic Soundtrax was founded as a film soundtrack label in 1992. It was central to Epic's 1990s success, with 11 soundtrack releases cumulatively selling more than 40 million records over a three-year period. Notable releases included soundtrack albums for ''Honeymoon in Vegas'', ''Singles'', ''Sleepless in Seattle'', ''Forrest Gump'', ''Philadelphia'', and ''Judgment Night''.<ref name="stats washhington ost">{{cite news|last1=Lei|first1=Richard|title=IN HOLLYWOOD: A SONIC BOOM|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1994/09/11/in-hollywood-a-sonic-boom/92d2d25d-83f7-4879-94d0-eac85c46083c/|access-date=7 August 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 11, 1994|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033622/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1994/09/11/in-hollywood-a-sonic-boom/92d2d25d-83f7-4879-94d0-eac85c46083c/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sizzle billboard">{{cite news|last1=Rosen|first1=Craig|title=There's Sizzle in Summer Soundtracks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LRIEAAAAMBAJ&q=epic+soundtrax+brunman+griffiths&pg=PA72|access-date=26 July 2015|publisher=Billboard|date=July 11, 1992|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520044219/https://books.google.com/books?id=LRIEAAAAMBAJ&q=epic+soundtrax+brunman+griffiths&pg=PA72|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1999, Jennifer Lopez released her debut album ''On the 6'' (as part of WORK Group), which was a critical and commercial success, going-on to sell over 8 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Bozza|first1=Anthony|date=2001-02-15|title=Jennifer the Conqueror|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jennifer-the-conqueror-58607/|access-date=2020-06-15|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=July 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725062445/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jennifer-the-conqueror-58607/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lopez's sophomore album, ''J.Lo'' (2001), experienced similar—if not greater—success, initially selling over 8 million copies worldwide, and gaining multi-platinum status under Epic Records.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powers|first=Ann|date=2011-05-11|title=The Return of J. Lo: How did this happen?|url=https://slate.com/culture/2011/05/the-return-of-j-lo-how-did-this-happen.html|access-date=2020-06-15|website=Slate Magazine|language=en|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030104929/https://slate.com/culture/2011/05/the-return-of-j-lo-how-did-this-happen.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The record spawned several international and domestic hits, including "Love Don't Cost a Thing", "I'm Real", "Play", and "Ain't it Funny". With her second album, Lopez became the first female solo artist, under the record company, to reach the number one spot on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ghMEAAAAMBAJ&q=Jennifer+Lopez+J.Lo|title=Billboard|date=2001-02-10|language=en|access-date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016075500/https://books.google.com/books?id=ghMEAAAAMBAJ&q=Jennifer+Lopez+J.Lo|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2002 remix album ''J TO THA L-O! The Remixes'', which served as a follow-up to Lopez's sophomore effort, was the first remix album to debut at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, and became the fourth best selling remix album of all time, behind albums by fellow Epic artist Michael Jackson, Madonna and the Beatles.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-03-12|title=Jennifer Lopez Biography Page|url=http://www.famousqt.com/profile.asp?celeb=38|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312090217/http://www.famousqt.com/profile.asp?celeb=38|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-03-12|access-date=2020-06-15}}</ref> Furthermore, in the second week at number-one for the remix album, Lopez's remixed single ''Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)'' (with Ja Rule), was also number one, making Lopez the only artist in history to have a number one remix album and single in the same week.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2002-02-28|title=J. Lo Nabs Double No. 1s|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76640/j-lo-nabs-double-no-1s|access-date=2020-06-15|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=April 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414062336/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76640/j-lo-nabs-double-no-1s|url-status=live}}</ref> Lopez's third studio album, released in late 2002, was also a success, titled ''This is me... Then''; the record sold 6 million copies worldwide and peaked at the second spot of the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name=whyis>{{Cite web|last=Lambert|first=Molly|date=2014-06-16|title=Why Is Jennifer Lopez's 'A.K.A.' Poised to Flop?|url=https://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/why-is-jennifer-lopezs-a-k-a-poised-to-flop/|access-date=2020-06-15|website=Grantland|language=en-US|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615135730/https://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/why-is-jennifer-lopezs-a-k-a-poised-to-flop/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lopez's first full-length Spanish debut, ''Como Ama Una Mujer'', became the first Spanish-language debut album to enter the top 10 of the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name=whyis/> and has sold 1 million copies worldwide. This was Lopez's final studio album under Epic Records before her move to Island Def Jam and Capitol Records; she released her first greatest hits compilation, ''Dance Again... The Hits'', gaining critical success.<ref>{{Citation|title=Dance Again...The Hits by Jennifer Lopez|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/dance-againthe-hits/jennifer-lopez|language=en|access-date=2020-06-15|archive-date=October 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015195131/https://www.metacritic.com/music/dance-againthe-hits/jennifer-lopez|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2009, Sony Music Group chairman Rob Stringer appointed singer-songwriter Amanda Ghost as president of Epic.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7867475.stm |title=Music label puts singer in charge |publisher=BBC News |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=2011-12-23 |archive-date=February 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206092141/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7867475.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Ghost, who had successfully promoted James Blunt to Grammy Award-winning status,<ref name="amanda ghost era billboard"/> was an unconventional and controversial choice for president because she had no corporate executive experience.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-music-woes-extend-to-digital-sales/ |title=Sony Music woes extend to digital sales |date=February 12, 2009 |last=Sandoval |first=Greg |newspaper=CNET |access-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503222933/https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-music-woes-extend-to-digital-sales/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She was expected to reverse the trend of declining sales at Epic by promoting the label's newer and mid-tier artists such as Augustana.<ref name="amanda ghost era billboard">{{cite magazine|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|title=Who Destroyed Epic Records?|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1197460/who-destroyed-epic-records|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004234214/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1197460/who-destroyed-epic-records|archivedate=October 4, 2013|access-date=May 3, 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=November 17, 2010}}</ref> Stringer also merged Epic and Columbia to form the Columbia/Epic Label Group in 2009, with himself as acting chairman. Ghost scored hit records for the Fray, Modest Mouse, Matisyahu and Sean Kingston.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vetwOz3_OF4C&pg=PA64 |page=64 |title=Women in Music: Power Players |date=October 10, 2009 |last=Duffy |first=Thom |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |number=40 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503222933/https://books.google.com/books?id=vetwOz3_OF4C&pg=PA64 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, she delayed the scheduled release of Shakira's album ''She Wolf'' by insisting that the album contain another song – "Give It Up to Me" featuring Lil Wayne and uncredited Timbaland. This delay probably caused ''She Wolf'' to perform less well in the market. Epic staff members described Ghost as "abrasive" and a "loose cannon". She was fired in October 2010, with Stringer apologizing for his mistake: "I owe the people at Epic..."<ref name="amanda ghost era billboard"/>
=== 2011–present === In July 2011, L.A. Reid became the CEO of Epic Records, signing artists such as TLC, Toni Braxton, Cher Lloyd, Avril Lavigne, Outkast, Future, Yo Gotti, Ciara, Meghan Trainor, DJ Khaled, and Travis Scott.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/outkast-ciara-headed-for-l-a-reid-s-epic-1005354602.story |title=Outkast, Ciara Headed for L.A. Reid's Epic Records, Sources Say |publisher=Billboard.biz |date=2011-09-15 |access-date=2011-12-23 |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125182735/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/outkast-ciara-headed-for-l-a-reid-s-epic-1005354602.story |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.925thebeat.ca/audioplayer.php?mp3=113406 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112223708/http://www.925thebeat.ca/audioplayer.php?mp3=113406 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 November 2011 |title=92.5 THE BEAT Montreal's Best Music Variety Radio Station |publisher=925thebeat.ca |access-date=2011-12-23 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Epic also signed the winners of ''The X Factor'' during the seasons that Reid appeared on the show.<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/467447/x-factor-has-glitzy-premiere-complete-with-simon-paula-bickering 'X Factor' Has Glitzy Premiere, Complete With Simon-Paula Bickering] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030011507/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/467447/x-factor-has-glitzy-premiere-complete-with-simon-paula-bickering |date=October 30, 2020 }}. Billboard (2011-09-15). Retrieved on 2013-07-16.</ref>
In February 2012, Epic Records signed experimental hip-hop/punk rap trio, Death Grips, under the recommendation of, then executive vice president of marketing, Angelica Cob-Baehler. They released their, arguably, most commercially successful album The Money Store (album) in April 2012. They were later dropped from the label following conflict due to cancelling a tour to work on their next album, No Love Deep Web, and releasing it for legal download on Peer-to-peer connection site, BitTorrent, to bypass Epic Records' desire to release it in 2013.
In 2013, Sylvia Rhone, former president of Universal Motown, launched the imprint Vested in Culture through Epic Records. A year later, she was named president of Epic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/it-s-official-sylvia-rhone-to-run-new-label-1006184152.story |title=It's Official: Sylvia Rhone to Run New Label Through Epic | Billboard |publisher=Billboard.biz |access-date=2014-05-20 |archive-date=February 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216211353/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/it-s-official-sylvia-rhone-to-run-new-label-1006184152.story |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mitchell|first1=Gail|title=Exclusive: Sylvia Rhone Talks New Label Vested in Culture|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1537975/exclusive-sylvia-rhone-talks-new-label-vested-in-culture|access-date=24 June 2015|publisher=Billboard|date=February 5, 2013|archive-date=September 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916203505/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1537975/exclusive-sylvia-rhone-talks-new-label-vested-in-culture|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sylvia-rhone-appointed-president-epic-689562 | work=The Hollywood Reporter | first1=Gail | last1=Mitchell | title=Sylvia Rhone Appointed President of Epic Records | date=19 March 2014 | access-date=February 20, 2020 | archive-date=September 26, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926232917/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sylvia-rhone-appointed-president-epic-689562 | url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2014, Mosley Music Group created a joint venture with Sony Music-with marketing, publicity, distribution and overall label services provided by Epic. The joint venture was created due to Timbaland's previous co-collaboration with Reid on Michael Jackson's posthumous album, ''Xscape''. Previously operated by Interscope, most of MMG's roster moved to Epic.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/6312115/timbalands-mosley-music-group-is-joining-forces-with|title=Timbaland's Mosley Music Group Is Joining Forces With L.A. Reid (Thanks to Michael Jackson)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=1 July 2016|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721034825/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/6312115/timbalands-mosley-music-group-is-joining-forces-with|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015, Def Jam Recordings parted ways with Mariah Carey and Carey reunited with Reid at Epic. She had worked with Reid at Def Jam under The Island Def Jam Music Group in 2004. Carey's deals with both Def Jam and Epic were at a fraction of the $80 million deal Carey had previously signed with Virgin Records; Virgin later rescinded that deal after poor sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thehonestyhour.com/2015/01/mariah-carey-signs-epic-records/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131231035/http://thehonestyhour.com/2015/01/mariah-carey-signs-epic-records/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2015|title=Mariah Carey signs with Epic Records|publisher=thehonestyhour.com|date=January 30, 2015|access-date=January 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6457962/mariah-carey-epic-records-deal-la-reid-sony-music|title=The Inside Story of How Mariah Carey and L.A. Reid Reunited (at a Fraction of Her Former $80 Million Deal)|publisher=Shirley Halperin and Andrew Hampp|date=January 30, 2015|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710050913/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6457962/mariah-carey-epic-records-deal-la-reid-sony-music|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, it was announced that R&B group Jodeci had signed with the label and planned to release its first studio album in 20 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jodeci Debuts New Single "Every Moment"|url=http://www.epicrecords.com/news/jodeci-debuts-new-single-every-moment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206161107/http://www.epicrecords.com/news/jodeci-debuts-new-single-every-moment|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 February 2015|website=epicrecords.com|publisher=Epic Records|access-date=January 31, 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jodeci Inks Deal With Epic Records For Comeback Album|url=http://singersroom.com/content/2015-01-28/Jodeci-Inks-Deal-With-Epic-Records-For-Comeback-Album/|website=singersroom.com|date=January 28, 2015|publisher=Singers Room|access-date=January 31, 2015|archive-date=January 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131060421/http://www.singersroom.com/content/2015-01-28/Jodeci-Inks-Deal-With-Epic-Records-For-Comeback-Album/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Wondaland Records, singer Janelle Monáe's imprint, entered into a joint venture with Epic in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theurbandaily.com/2015/02/13/janelle-monae-inks-joint-venture-with-epic-records/|title=Janelle Monae inks Joint Venture with Epic Records|publisher=theurbandaily.com|year=2015|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-date=February 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219135710/http://theurbandaily.com/2015/02/13/janelle-monae-inks-joint-venture-with-epic-records/|url-status=live}}</ref> Acts on Wondaland include Jidenna, St. Beauty, Deep Cotton and Roman GianArthur.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/janelle-monaes-wondaland-records-and-epic-records-launch-landmark-joint-venture-partnership--300036772.html|title=Janelle Monae's Wondaland Records And Epic Records Launch Landmark Joint Venture Partnership|publisher=prnewswire.com|year=2015|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227234316/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/janelle-monaes-wondaland-records-and-epic-records-launch-landmark-joint-venture-partnership--300036772.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2016, Jennifer Lopez returned to Sony Music, six years after leaving in favor of Island Def Jam and Capitol Records. Lopez's multi-album deal reunited her with Reid, with whom she signed at Island Def Jam in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Jennifer Lopez Signs New Deal With Epic Records |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6897352/jennifer-lopez-signs-new-deal-with-epic-records |access-date=March 2, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |agency=Prometheus Global Media |date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094959/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6897352/jennifer-lopez-signs-new-deal-with-epic-records |archive-date=4 March 2016 |location=United States |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>
In January 2017, 21 Savage signed with Epic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/01/18/21-savage-epic-drake-deeper-than-rap|title=21 Savage Announces Deal with Epic Records, Calls Drake "A Genuine Person"|access-date=April 25, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425122317/http://www.thefader.com/2017/01/18/21-savage-epic-drake-deeper-than-rap|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 11, 2017, it was announced that Reid would exit as the label's CEO.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rys |first=Dan |title=L.A. Reid Out at Epic Records |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7792845/la-reid-exits-epic-records-sony |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 23, 2019 |location=United States |date=May 11, 2017 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430101109/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7792845/la-reid-exits-epic-records-sony |url-status=live }}</ref> Following his exit, it was reported that Reid had been accused of sexual harassment by multiple Epic employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/l-a-reid-accused-sexual-harassment-sony-music-epic-records-1202426625/|title=Sony Music Executive L.A. Reid Accused of Sexual Harassment|last1=Halperin|first1=Shirley|date=2017-05-15|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-10-30|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011144548/https://variety.com/2017/music/news/l-a-reid-accused-sexual-harassment-sony-music-epic-records-1202426625/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Karp |first=Hannah |title=L.A. Reid's Epic Records Exit Followed Allegations by Female Staffer |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7793105/la-reid-epic-records-exit-allegations-female-staffer |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 23, 2019 |location=United States |date=May 14, 2017 |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422191038/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7793105/la-reid-epic-records-exit-allegations-female-staffer |url-status=live }}</ref>
On April 23, 2019, it was announced that Rhone had been appointed as Chair and CEO of the label.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Schneider |first=Marc |title=Epic Records Names Sylvia Rhone Chairman and CEO |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8508355/sylvia-rhone-chairman-ceo-epic-records |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 23, 2019 |location=United States |date=April 23, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423210901/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8508355/sylvia-rhone-chairman-ceo-epic-records |url-status=live }}</ref>In September 2025, Rhone announced that she would step down as chair and CEO of Epic Records at the end of the month after more than a decade with the label.<ref>{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |title=Sylvia Rhone Stepping Down as Chair and CEO of Epic Records |url=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/sylvia-rhone-stepping-down-ceo-of-epic-records-1236526234/ |website=Variety |date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> In April 2023, Sony Music UK announced the relaunch of Epic Records UK as one of its frontline labels, with former publishing executive Sarah Lockhart appointed as president.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paine |first=Andre |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Sarah Lockhart to lead revived Epic Records UK |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/sarah-lockhart-to-lead-revived-epic-records-uk/087813 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502164122/https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/sarah-lockhart-to-lead-revived-epic-records-uk/087813 |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=Music Week |issn=2052-2371}}</ref>
==Formerly and presently affiliated labels== {{div col|colwidth=20em}} * 550 Music (1993–2000) * Blue Sky (1974–1983) * Cactus Jack (2017–present) * Caribou Records (1976–present) * Cold Chillin' Records (1993–1998) * Date Records (1960s) * Duble Kick Entertainment (2010–2015) * Epic Records Nashville (1993–2006) * Epic Soundtrax (1992–1997) * Epic Street (1993–1998) * Cleveland International Records (1976–present) * CTI Records (1980–present) * Tuff City Records (1983–1984) * Hidden Beach Records (1998–2007) * Glacial Pace (mid-1990s) * Invictus Records (1973–1976) * Jet Records (1978–1983) * Kirshner Records (1974–1983) * Lucky Dog Records * MJJ Music (1988–2001) * Nemperor Records (1977–1990) * Ode Records (1967–1969, 1976–1979) * OKeh Records (1965–1970, 1994–2000) * Pasha Records (1979–1990) * Philadelphia International Records (1971–1984) * Portrait Records (1976–1992) * Ruthless Records (1990, 1999–2009) * Scotti Brothers (1979–1988) * SOLAR Records (1989–1993) * T-Neck Records (1972–1984) * Tabu Records (1978–1991) * Unlimited Gold (1978–1983) * The WORK Group (1994–1999) * Virgin Records (1976–1978, 1982–1986) * We the Best Music Group (2018–2022) * will.i.am Music Group (2020–present) {{div col end}}
==Artists== {{main|List of Epic Records artists}}
==Logos== Unlike sister label Columbia, Epic has gone through five different logos. Some logos were temporarily revived for period reissues. The years shown below list the time served as the label's primary logo.
<gallery> File:Epic Records 1953.svg|First radial sound sunburst logo, 1953–1960 File:Epic Records 1960.svg|Second radial sound sunburst logo, 1960–1973, 1998–2005 (still used by Epic Records Japan) File:Epic Records 1973.svg|Big "E" logo, 1972–1979 File:Epic Records 1978.svg|Gradient script logo, 1979–1990 (used in tandem with outlined script logo) File:Epic Records 1984.svg|Outlined script logo, 1979–1990 (used in tandem with gradient script logo) File:Epic Records 1991.svg|Stacked-record logo, 1990–1998 File:Epic Records.svg|Simplified script logo, 2005–2011, 2016–present File:Epic Records 2011.svg|Red print logo, 2011–2016 (still used in Japan) </gallery>
== See also == * Epic Records Japan (Japanese branch of Epic Records) * Immortal Records * List of record labels
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website}} * [http://www.sonymusic.com/ Sony Music]—parent company of Epic * [http://fonorama.cz/firmy/E/Epic.htm Epic Records album discography, 1962–1970]
{{Sony Music}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Epic Records Category:Contemporary R&B record labels Category:Heavy metal record labels Category:Hip-hop record labels Category:IFPI members Category:American jazz record labels Category:Pop record labels Category:Record labels established in 1953 Category:Rock record labels Category:Rhythm and blues record labels Category:Sony Music