Epic

For bootlegs / counterfeits, see Epic (2).

A division of Sony Music [1991-2000]
A division of Sony BMG Music Entertainment [2004-2008]
A division of Sony Music Entertainment [2008-present]

Label Code: LC 0199 / LC 00199.

Epic Records is a record label launched in 1953 by CBS. Its bright-yellow and black logo became a familiar trademark for many jazz and classical music releases. This has included such notables as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Juilliard String Quartet, Antal Dorati conducting the Hague Philharmonic and George Szell conducting the Cleveland Orchestra. Ten years later, Epic earned its first gold records and developed into a formidable hit-making force in rock, R&B, and country. Among its many acts were Bobby Vinton, Sly and the Family Stone, The Dave Clark Five and Donovan. During the 1970s, the label's success extended to include The Hollies, Edgar Winter ABBA and Tammy Wynette. The 1980s and 1990s saw Epic releasing numerous multi-platinum albums from artists such as Meat Loaf, The Jacksons, Sade, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper and others. During 1972 they (USA) changed the label colors from yellow to orange with a new design.

In 1978, an independent branch of Epic Records was established in Japan as "Record Industry for a short while. These are not distribution codes or catalogue numbers and should only be entered as sequential numbers belonging to the manufacturer of the release. For the dating of the several label design versions have a look to the VinylBeat link below.