Atlantic Records

In 1947, Abramson and Ahmet Ertegun founded Atlantic Records, initially focusing on jazz, blues, and rhythm & blues. After serving in the U.S. Army, Abramson returned to Atlantic in 1955 and established ATCO Records, an Atlantic subsidiary that he managed. ATCO became home to artists including The Coasters and Bobby Darin.

Atlantic Records established itself as a powerhouse in R&B, jazz, and early rock and roll, producing records for legendary artists like Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, and Ray Charles. To expand its influence, Atlantic launched and acquired several subsidiaries and affiliated labels. Cat Records (1954–1956) focused on doo-wop, releasing The Chords’ hit Sh-Boom. Atco Records (1955) became Atlantic’s pop and rock subsidiary, signing artists like The Coasters. The label also acquired Spark Records (1955), bringing in Leiber & Stoller, and took over National Records’ R&B catalog.

Other labels like Jubilee Records and Ember Records had distribution ties with Atlantic, expanding its reach in doo-wop and gospel. As vinyl formats (45s and LPs) took over in the mid-1950s, Atlantic phased out 78 RPM records, paving the way for its dominance in soul, rock, and pop for decades to come.

Atlantic Records Discography