Label Guide: MGM
MGM Records was a record label started by major Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studios in 1946, initially only for the purpose of releasing soundtrack albums. It transitioned into a pop and country music label in the 1950s and became one of the major record labels in the United States with a huge output of both singles and albums.
The 1950s labels show MGM Records as a division of Loew's Incorporated, which was the oldest chain of movie theatres in the USA, founded in 1904 by Marcus Loew, who would then launch Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1924 when he gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures and Louis B. Mayer Pictures. Loew's Incorporated served as distribution arm and parent company for the studio (and also MGM Records) until the two were forced to separate by a court ruling. The two companies officially split in 1959, and record labels after that split show the label as a division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.
MGM operated their own record manufacturing plant at Bloomfield, New Jersey from 1947 until 1972, pressing not only their own records but a great deal of sub-contract work for other record companies, including Atlantic Records. Subsidiary Cub Records was launched in the late 1950s and Verve Records was acquired from Norman Granz in December 1960. Other MGM subsidiaries and distributed labels included: Kama Sutra (from 1965 until Kama Sutra's sister label Buddah Records took over distribution in 1969), Ava, Lion, the budget label Metro, children's label Leo, Hickory, MGM South, Pride and Lionel.
MGM Records was sold to PolyGram in 1972. As part of the deal, PolyGram received perpetual rights to the "MGM Records" name and a ten year license to use the MGM trademark and logo. In 1976, MGM Records, including its artists, was absorbed into PolyGram's Polydor Records. However, PolyGram continued releasing MGM soundtrack albums and reissues using the MGM Records imprint until 1982.
-
78rpm Label Variation (I)
78rpm MGM label (1913)
An example of the pre-war MGM 78rpm labels, here from 1913.
-
78rpm Label Variation (II)
78rpm MGM label (1950s)
An example of the post-war MGM 78rpm labels, here from 1951.
-
1. Label Variation (Mono)
first MGM label, mono (1953 - 1959)
The first MGM label was yellow and in print until 1959 (E/SE 3770s).
-
1. Label Variation (Stereo)
first MGM label, stereo (1953 - 1959)
The first MGM label was yellow and in print until 1959 (E/SE 3770s).
-
2. Label Variation (Mono)
second MGM label, mono (1959 - 1968)
The MGM black label was used for most of the 1960s, from about E/SE 3770s to E/SE 4520s in 1968.
-
2. Label Variation (Stereo)
second MGM label, stereo (1959 - 1968)
The MGM black label was used for most of the 1960s, from about E/SE 3770s to E/SE 4520s in 1968.
-
3. Label Variation
third MGM label (1968 - 1982)
It was replaced by the blue and gold label which was in use from the SE 4520s into the 1980s. You will find minor changes over this time, as MGM changed owners in 1972 and the bottom rim text was changed accordingly.
-
1. UK Label Variation
first UK MGM label ( - 1960)
The UK branch of MGM used the same yellow label as the American label, starting with this version when MGM was still a 'TRADE MARK OF LOEW'S INC.', as it was printed below the logo.
-
2. UK Label Variation (I)
second UK MGM label (1960 - 1964)
The trade mark notice changed to 'M.G.M. IS THE TRADE MARK OF METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER INC.', which is the only change from the first version of the yellow label.
-
2. UK Label Variation (II)
second UK MGM label (1960 - 1964)
The rainbow lion logo from the US was never introduced in the UK. MGM UK was distributed by EMI and the earliest pressings do not show the 'RECORDING FIRST PUBLISHED...' line that was added early in the 1960s.
-
3. UK Label Variation
third UK MGM label (1964 - 1968)
The text 'Sold in U.K. subject to resale price conditions. see price lists' indicates a pressing after February 1964. For all EMI-distributed labels in the UK, this text must be present on the label for all original pressings, released between February 1964 and July 1969.
-
4. UK Label Variation
fourth UK MGM label (1968 - July 1969)
When MGM UK changed to the blue and gold label some time in 1968, the 'Sold in U.K. subject to resale price conditions. see price lists' text indicates a pressing earlier than July 1969. Those early pressings were also still without any reference to Polydor.
-
5. UK Label Variation
fifth UK MGM label (1969 - )
Early in the 1970s the label notes change from 'Made in Great Britain for MGM Records Ltd.' to 'Made in England' and 'Manufacured and Distributed by Polydor Records Ltd.' for MGM Records Ltd.