When was MGM Records founded and by whom?
MGM Records was founded in 1946 by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio to release soundtrack recordings of its musical films. Frank Walker served as the label's first president.
Questions about MGM Records
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the first soundtrack album released by MGM Records?
MGM Records' first soundtrack was for Till the Clouds Roll By, a 1946 film based on the life of composer Jerome Kern. It was the first soundtrack album of a live-action film and was originally issued as a set of four 10-inch 78-rpm records.
Who did MGM Records' first president Frank Walker sign that became the label's biggest country music artist?
Frank Walker discovered and signed Hank Williams, who became the cornerstone of MGM Records' country music operations. The label's country roster also included Hank Williams Jr., Conway Twitty, Roy Acuff, and Mel Tillis.
When was MGM Records sold and who bought it?
MGM Records was sold to PolyGram in 1972. In 1976, MGM Records and its artists were absorbed into PolyGram's Polydor Records, though MGM soundtrack albums continued to appear under the MGM Records imprint until 1982.
What notable jazz label did MGM Records acquire and when?
MGM Records acquired Verve Records, primarily a jazz label, from Norman Granz in December 1960. Verve was home to artists including Stan Getz, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, and the Velvet Underground.
Who owns the MGM Records catalog today?
The MGM Records catalog is split among several owners. Universal Music Group manages the pop, musical theater, and country music catalogs through different imprints, while Warner Bros. Entertainment owns MGM's film soundtracks through its WaterTower Music unit.