Capitol Music Group
Capitol Music Group emerged in February 2007 as a merger of Capitol Records and Virgin Records America. EMI orchestrated this union to restructure operations and save an average of $217 million yearly. Both Virgin Records and Capitol Records remained imprints under the new division. Virgin Records CEO Jason Flom took the helm of the combined entity. Capitol Records CEO Andy Slater resigned from his post after receiving a pension reportedly worth more than $15 million. As head of the label, Flom reported directly to EMI Group CEO Eric Nicoli.
Steve Barnett became chairman and CEO of the company in November 2012. Jeff Vaughn was named Chairman and CEO in November 2020. Michelle Jubelirer replaced Vaughn in 2021. Jubelirer resigned in February 2024 when Tom March took over as CEO and chairman. March previously served as the head of Geffen Records before leading the merged operations.
EMI's absorption into Universal Music Group concluded with the transfer of Capitol Music Group to UMG. This process occurred without Parlophone, which went elsewhere. The Beatles appeared on Capitol UK following the acquisition. By 2013, the Virgin Music Group dissolved, returning Virgin Records to its placement under Capitol Music Group. Capitol Music Group then became part of UMG's five label units in the UK.
Tom March combined Capitol Music Group and Interscope Geffen A&M operations in February 2024. This consolidation created a new corporate structure called Interscope Capitol Labels Group. The merger brought together two major umbrella labels under one division of Universal Music Group. Capitol Music Group now operates alongside Interscope Geffen A&M within this unified framework.
Through Capitol Records, the group handles back catalogs from defunct labels like Apple Records and I.R.S. Records. UMG acquired copyrights for master recordings from entities such as Aladdin Records and Angel Records. Freedom Records titles from the 1950s and Solid State Records from the 1960s are part of the archive. Other holdings include Sue Records, Liberty Records, and
United Artists Records distributed across North America.
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Common questions
When did Capitol Music Group emerge as a merger of Capitol Records and Virgin Records America?
Capitol Music Group emerged in February 2007 as a merger of Capitol Records and Virgin Records America. EMI orchestrated this union to restructure operations and save an average of $217 million yearly.
Who became chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group in November 2012?
Steve Barnett became chairman and CEO of the company in November 2012. Jeff Vaughn was named Chairman and CEO in November 2020 before Michelle Jubelirer replaced Vaughn in 2021.
What happened to Capitol Music Group when EMI was absorbed into Universal Music Group?
EMI's absorption into Universal Music Group concluded with the transfer of Capitol Music Group to UMG. This process occurred without Parlophone, which went elsewhere while The Beatles appeared on Capitol UK following the acquisition.
How did Tom March change the structure of Capitol Music Group in February 2024?
Tom March combined Capitol Music Group and Interscope Geffen A&M operations in February 2024. This consolidation created a new corporate structure called Interscope Capitol Labels Group under one division of Universal Music Group.
Which defunct labels have back catalogs handled through Capitol Records by Capitol Music Group?
Through Capitol Records, the group handles back catalogs from defunct labels like Apple Records and I.R.S. Records. UMG acquired copyrights for master recordings from entities such as Aladdin Records and Angel Records alongside Freedom Records titles from the 1950s and Solid State Records from the 1960s.