Capitol Records 15 images Created 25 Sep 2019
The Capitol Records Company was founded in 1942 by songwriter Johnny Mercer, songwriter/movie producer Buddy DeSylva, and music store owner Glenn Wallich. At the time, Wallich's Music City was the biggest record store in Hollywood. Mercer had the idea to start a record company where artists and musicians could play more of an integral role. He agreed to deal with the talent - if Wallich would run the business.
Wallich presented a free copy their first album "Capitol Presents Songs By Johnny Mercer”, a three 78-rpm set featuring the recordings of Mercer, Stafford and the Pied Pipers, accompanied by Paul Weston's Orchestra, to LA disc jockey Peter Potter in order to promote the new label. Capitol was the first company to try this marketing tact, and by the mid-1950s, became a hugely successful label, thanks to the popular music of legends like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Jackie Gleason, Andy Griffith, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, and the Andrew Sisters.
Their rapid expansion required larger facilities, so the site at 1750 North Vine Street was purchased and the groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s first circular office building took place in 1954. The building, designed by Louis Naidorf for Welton Becket Architects, is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks and an Historic Cultural Monument.
Due to its association with British recording company EMI, Capitol took part in bringing The Beatles to America in 1964. Capitol was also instrumental in the careers of The Band, Pink Floyd, Linda Rondstat, The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, the Steve Miller Band, and many more.
Wallich presented a free copy their first album "Capitol Presents Songs By Johnny Mercer”, a three 78-rpm set featuring the recordings of Mercer, Stafford and the Pied Pipers, accompanied by Paul Weston's Orchestra, to LA disc jockey Peter Potter in order to promote the new label. Capitol was the first company to try this marketing tact, and by the mid-1950s, became a hugely successful label, thanks to the popular music of legends like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Jackie Gleason, Andy Griffith, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, and the Andrew Sisters.
Their rapid expansion required larger facilities, so the site at 1750 North Vine Street was purchased and the groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s first circular office building took place in 1954. The building, designed by Louis Naidorf for Welton Becket Architects, is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks and an Historic Cultural Monument.
Due to its association with British recording company EMI, Capitol took part in bringing The Beatles to America in 1964. Capitol was also instrumental in the careers of The Band, Pink Floyd, Linda Rondstat, The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, the Steve Miller Band, and many more.
