Label Guide: Blue Note

Blue Note Records is an American jazz record label, established in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis. It derives its name from the characteristic "blue notes" of jazz and the blues.

In 1951 Blue Note issued their first vinyl 10" releases. Famous recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder recorded most Blue Note releases from 1953 on. When the recording industry switched to 12" LP in the mid-1950s, Blue Note was in difficulties, but its independence was secured by the success of Hammond organist Jimmy Smith, who performed on the label's first 12" LP album of new recordings in 1956.

In 1956, Blue Note employed Reid Miles, an artist who worked for Esquire magazine. The cover art produced by Miles was as influential in the world of graphic design as the music within would be in the world of jazz. Miles' work is closely associated with Blue Note, and has earned iconic status and frequent homage

Blue Note was acquired by Liberty Records in 1965 and Alfred Lion, who had difficulties working within a larger organization, retired in 1967. Reid Miles' association with the label ended around this time. EMI purchased United Artists Records in 1979, which had absorbed Liberty Records in 1969, and phased out the Blue Note label, which lay dormant until 1985, when it was relaunched as part of EMI Manhattan Records, both for re-issues and new recordings.