Label Guide: Kapp
Kapp Records was an independent record label started in 1954 by David Kapp, brother of Jack Kapp, the founder of American Decca Records in 1934. Kapp recordings were released on London Records in the UK.
In 1967, David Kapp sold his label to MCA, and Kapp Records was placed under Uni Records management but continued with its standalone identity. The last Kapp record was released in 1973 when its catalog and artist roster was absorbed by MCA Records and the label, along with most other MCA subsidiaries, was discontinued.
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1. Label Variation (Mono)
first Kapp label, mono (1954 - 1959)
The first Kapp label was silver and maroon for both mono and stereo versions. It was used for the KL/KST 1000 series until about June 1959 or KL 1128.
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1. Label Variation (Stereo)
first Kapp label, stereo (1954 - 1959)
The first Kapp label was silver and maroon for both mono and stereo versions. It was used for the KL/KST 1000 series until about June 1959 or KL 1128.
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2. Label Variation (Mono)
second Kapp label, mono (1959 - 1960)
The label changed to this black and blue design with a red star in mid-1959, but this variation was in use for just under one year.
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2. Label Variation (Stereo)
second Kapp label, stereo (1959 - 1960)
The label changed to this black and blue design with a red star in mid-1959, but this variation was in use for just under one year.
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3. Label Variation (Christmas)
third Kapp label, Christmas (1959)
Kapp Records used this special Christmas label for holiday releases in 1959.
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3. Label Variation (Mono)
third Kapp label, mono (1960 - 1962)
The red star was removed for this third, black and light blue design, in or around February 1960.
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3. Label Variation (Mono)
third Kapp label, mono (1960)
There was also a red version of this design, here from a 1960 Brian Hyland album.
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1. Label Variation (Inverted)
first Kapp label, inverted (1960)
The same Brian Hyland album was also released with this label (to be investigated).
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3. Label Variation (Stereo)
third Kapp label, stereo (1960 - 1962)
The red star was removed for this third, black and light blue design, in or around February 1960.
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4. Label Variation (Mono)
fourth Kapp label, mono (1962 - 1963)
The label changed moderately a few years later to include hat symbols on both edges of the label. The original Kapp logo that was previously located at these spots was moved to the bottom center.
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4. Label Variation (Stereo)
fourth Kapp label, stereo (1962 - 1963)
This label design was used until the end of 1963, approximately KL 1350 for mono and KS 3350 for stereo releases.
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5. Label Variation (I)
fifth Kapp label (1963 - 1970)
The hat symbol became the new (and only) Kapp logo with the introduction of this black label. A variation with a red background exists.
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5. Label Variation (II)
fifth Kapp label (1963 - 1970)
The hat symbol became the new (and only) Kapp logo with the introduction of this black label. A variation with a red background exists.
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5. Label Variation (III)
fifth Kapp label (1963 - 1970)
The hat symbol became the new (and only) Kapp logo with the introduction of this black label. A variation with a red background exists.
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6. Label Variation
Kapp Medallion label (mid 1960s)
The label for the Kapp Medallion series of the mid-1960s.
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7. Label Variation
sixth Kapp label (1970 - 1971)
With catalogue number KS 3626 the Kapp label changed to this orange and pink design, indicating that Kapp is now a division of MCA Records. The first version of this label was used until approximately KS 3647/48 in late 1971 and carried the following bottom rim text: 'Kapp Records, a division of MCA Inc.' - Those records were still manufactured by Kapp Records, New York which is sometimes noted on the label.
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8. Label Variation
seventh Kapp label (1971 - 1973)
This is the last Kapp label before MCA discontinued this imprint in 1973. The bottom rim text changed to 'Manufactured by MCA Records, Inc., Calif. U.S.A.'
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Custom Label
custom Kapp label, Andromeda Strain (1970)
One of the rare custom labels from Kapp Records, here for the Andromeda Strain soundtrack album.