American country music record label
Record label
Universal Records was a short-lived American country music record label. Established in 1988 by Jimmy Bowen , it was merged into Capitol Records Nashville in 1989.
History
Record producer Jimmy Bowen established the Universal label in December 1988. It was distributed by MCA Nashville , and featured its own team of producers, promotion, and artists and repertoire (A&R). The label's roster at foundation consisted of Joe Barnhill , Lacy J. Dalton , Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Joni Harms , Tim Malchak , Scott McQuaig , Nitty Gritty Dirt Band , Carl Perkins , Eddie Rabbitt , Eddy Raven , and Roger Whittaker . Dalton's Survivor was issued in January 1989 as the label's inaugural album. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band also issued Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two [ 1]
In July 1989, Bowen announced that Universal would be the first Nashville label not to issue phonograph records .[ 2] Billboard described the label as "fledgling" and noted that projects by John Anderson , Wild Rose , and other artists had been delayed.[ 3]
Bowen dissolved the Universal label in December 1989, and its entire roster was merged into Capitol Records Nashville when Bowen assumed presidency of that division.[ 4] [ 5] [ 6]
References
^ "Universal Label Makes Big Nashville Splash" (PDF) . Radio & Records ^ "Nashville's Un/versa/Bids Viny/Adieu" (PDF) . Billboard . July 1, 1989. pp. 1, 89.^ Morris, Edward (September 23, 1989). "Universal Prez Puts Rumors To Rest: Says Label Is Healthy, He Isn't Leaving" (PDF) . Billboard . p. 40. ^ Kingsbury, Paul, ed. (1998). The Encyclopedia of Country Music Oxford University Press . ISBN 978-0195176087 ^ "TICKERTAPE" (PDF) . Cash Box ^ "Bowen takes shop to Capitol" (PDF) . Gavin Report
