Label Guide: Atlantic
Atlantic Records was incorporated in October 1947 and was primarily known for its R&B/Soul and Jazz recordings for the first two decades of its existence. In October 1967 Atlantic was sold to Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, which then was taken over by the Kinney National Company (hence the K catalog numbers) two years later. In 1970 the music group was rebranded as Warner Communications, and shortly after the operations of all of its record labels were reorganized under a new holding company, Warner-Elektra-Atlantic (short WEA), which is now known as Warner Music Group.
-
1. UK Label Variation
red/plum Atlantic label (1967 - late 1971)
This famous red and plum label was used for orgininal U.K. releases from the mid 1960s into the fourth quarter of 1971. There are several minor variations of this design, as many of the early releases (eg. Led Zeppelin) have been reprinted with that same red/plum label design. So it's not always easy to clearly indentify a first pressing from just the label colours.
-
2. UK Label Variation
green/orange Atlantic label (late 1971 -)
The Atlantic label changed to the familiar green and orange colours late in 1971. This label design was kept alive for many years, however a 'W' sign for Warner Music Group was added in 1973 at the right end of the rim text.
-
3. UK Label Variation
grey/orange Atlantic label (mid 1970s)
-
Atlantic Special Label
Atlantic Special Label (1967)
-
4. UK Label Variation
fourth UK Atlantic Label (late 1970s)
-
1. US Label Variation (I)
first US Atlantic label (1952 - 1955)
The first U.S. Atlantic label for 12"-LP releases was yellow/tan in the classic 1950s Atlantic style. Used for mono releases, approximately until 1955.
-
1. US Label Variation (II)
first US Atlantic label (1952 - 1955)
The first U.S. Atlantic label for 12"-LP releases was yellow/tan in the classic 1950s Atlantic style. Used for mono releases, approximately until 1955.
-
2. US Label Variation (Mono)
second US Atlantic label, mono (1955 - 1958)
In the mid-1950s, the label colours changed to black for mono releases, and to green for the newly introduced stereo pressings.
-
2. US Label Variation (Stereo)
second US Atlantic label, stereo (1955 - 1958)
In the mid-1950s, the label colours changed to black for mono releases, and to green for the newly introduced stereo pressings.
-
2. US Label Variation (Stereo)
second US Atlantic label, stereo (1955 - 1958)
A colour variation of the US Atlantic stereo label of the 1950s.
-
3. US Label Variation (Mono)
third US Atlantic label, mono (1958 - 1959)
The very recognizable Bulls Eye label was used in the late 1950s. With this label the standard colour codes for Atlantic releases were introduced: red and purple for mono releases, and green and blue for stereo pressings.
-
3. US Label Variation (Stereo)
third US Atlantic label, stereo (1958 - 1959)
The very recognizable Bulls Eye label was used in the late 1950s. With this label the standard colour codes for Atlantic releases were introduced: red and purple for mono releases, and green and blue for stereo pressings.
-
4. US Label Variation (Mono)
fourth US Atlantic label, mono (1960 - 1962)
The 'fan logos' were introduced in 1960, starting with the White Fan label, that features a white fan on black background on the right side of the center strip. The colours are still red and purple for mono releases, and green and blue for stereo pressings.
-
4. US Label Variation (Stereo)
fourth US Atlantic label, stereo (1960 - 1962)
The 'fan logos' were introduced in 1960, starting with the White Fan label, that features a white fan on black background on the right side of the center strip. The colours are still red and purple for mono releases, and green and blue for stereo pressings.
-
5. US Label Variation (Mono)
fifth US Atlantic label, mono (1962 - 1966)
The design changed to the Black Fan label in 1962, now showing a black fan on white background. Layout and colour codes are unchanged from the previous version.
-
5. US Label Variation (Stereo)
fifth US Atlantic label, stereo (1962 - 1966)
The design changed to the Black Fan label in 1962, now showing a black fan on white background. Layout and colour codes are unchanged from the previous version.
-
5. US Label Variation (ATCO)
fifth US Atlantic label, variation (1967/68)
A special variations of the Black Fan label used the ATCO colours, purple and brown for stereo releases. ATCO Records was a division of Atlantic.
-
6. US Label Variation (Mono)
sixth US Atlantic label, mono (1966 - 1968)
In 1966 a new Boxed Logo was introduced, combining the black fan symbol with the 'A' sign and the label name. Layout and colour codes are unchanged from the previous version.
-
6. US Label Variation (Stereo)
sixth US Atlantic label, stereo (1966 - 1968)
In 1966 a new Boxed Logo was introduced, combining the black fan symbol with the 'A' sign and the label name. Layout and colour codes are unchanged from the previous version.
-
7. US Label Variation
seventh US Atlantic label (1968 - 1973)
In 1968 the design was completely changed to the familiar green and red label with the coloured Atlantic boxed logo at the top center. The first version of this label, used until 1973, shows a '1841 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, N.Y.' address at the bottom rim.
-
8. US Label Variation
eighth US Atlantic label (1974 - 1975)
In 1974 the bottom rim address changed to '75 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, N.Y., N.Y.'.
-
9. US Label Variation
ninth US Atlantic label (1975 - )
In 1975 the Warner Brothers 'w' logo was added to the bottom rim, along with 'A WARNER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY'. This version was used from then on for most new Atlantic releases.
-
10. US Label Variation
tenth US Atlantic label (1976 - )
In the late 1970s, Atlantic started to use this design for selected releases. It comes in several colour variations including yellow (shown here), orange and white. This design did not replace the standard 'green and red' labels, but it was used for quite a few new releases well into the 1980s.
-
Atlantic Jazzlore Label
Atlantic Jazzlore Label (1980s)
The Atlantic Jazzlore Label of the 1980s.
-
Australian Label Variation
Australian Atlantic label (late 1960s)
An Australian version of the Atlantic label from the late 1960s.
-
New Zealand Label Variation
New Zealand Atlantic label (1966)
A New Zealand version of the Atlantic label from the mid 1960s.