Label Guide: Epic
Epic Records was launched in 1953 in the United States by Columbia Records for the purpose of marketing jazz, pop and classical music that did not fit the theme of its more mainstream Columbia label. By 1960, the label's musical base had been expanded to include all genres. And by the end of the decade, Epic was focusing on rock and roll, R&B and country music.
Among its most notable acts of that era were The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, Donovan, The Yardbirds, Lulu, and Jeff Beck. In 1968, the Epic label was introduced in the UK and distributed by CBS.
The 1970s and 1980s were two hugely commercially successful decades for Epic Records, and Michael Jackson's 1982 album "Thriller" became the biggest selling album in history. After Sony bought CBS Records in 1987, Epic became part of Sony Music in 1991. In 2004, Sony merged with Bertelsmann Music Group to become Sony BMG. Epic Records is still a major force today.
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1. US Label Variation (Mono)
first US Epic label, mono (1956 - 1961)
The first U.S. label for mono pressings was used until the end of 1961.
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1. US Label Variation (Stereo)
first US Epic label, stereo (1958 - 1961)
The first stereo (or Stereorama) label was distinctly different, showing the oval logo for the first time. A very similar logo was revived in the mid-1960s.
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2. US Label Variation (Mono)
second US Epic label, mono (1962 - 1963)
The second mono label shows eight times 'EPIC' around the perimeter, separated by dots.
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2. US Label Variation (Stereo)
second US Epic label, stereo (1962 - 1963)
The second American stereo label shows three times an inverted 'EPIC' text around the perimeter, separated by 'STEREO'. These second designs, both mono and stereo versions, were used for only about two years until app. the end of 1963.
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3. US Label Variation
third US Epic label (1964 - 1973)
This is the 'classic' yellow Epic label that comes with most of the Epic label's collectible albums' original pressings. A rather plain bright yellow design with the oval Epic logo at the top center.
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4. US Label Variation
fourth US Epic label (1973 - 1978)
A new design was introduced in 1973: bright orange labels with white circles and an all new, circular logo. Used from 1973 to 1978.
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5. US Label Variation (I)
fifth US Epic label (1978 - )
The modern Epic label that is in use - with some minor variations - since 1978. Another new logo, this time scripted, on a black-to-blue background with a white perimeter line.
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5. US Label Variation (II)
fifth US Epic label (1978 - )
The modern Epic label that is in use - with some minor variations - since 1978. Another new logo, this time scripted, on a black-to-blue background with a white perimeter line.
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1. UK Label Variation
first UK Epic label (1968 - 1973)
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2. UK Label Variation
second UK Epic label (1973 - 1976)
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3. UK Label Variation
third UK Epic label (1973 - 1976)
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4. UK Label Variation
fourth UK Epic label (1976 - 1979)
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5. UK Label Variation (I)
fifth UK Epic label (1979 - 1985)
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5. UK Label Variation (II)
fifth UK Epic label (1979 - 1985)
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6. UK Label Variation
sixth UK Epic label (1986 - )
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1. Dutch Label Variation
Dutch Epic label (1990)
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2. Dutch Label Variation
Dutch Epic label (1992)