Sony Music#History

{{Main|American Record Corporation}}

The American Record Corporation (ARC) was founded in 1929 through a merger of several record companies.{{cite book| first=Elijah| last=Wald| title=Josh White: Society Blues| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CtXZaQTFLoC&pg=PA28| access-date=July 1, 2013| year=2002| publisher=Routledge Chapman & Hall| isbn=978-0-415-94204-1| page=28| archive-date=August 30, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830155847/http://books.google.com/books?id=-CtXZaQTFLoC&pg=PA28| url-status=live}} The company grew over the next several years, acquiring other brands such as the Columbia Phonograph Company, including its Okeh Records subsidiary, in 1934.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wIvx9-aVCHMC&q=arc+%2B+columbia+%2B+1934&pg=PA70| title=Creativity and Innovation in the Music Industry| first=Peter| last=Tschmuck| date=March 14, 2012| publisher=Springer Science & Business Media| isbn=978-3-6422-8429-8| page=70| access-date=June 21, 2015| archive-date=May 14, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093750/https://books.google.com/books?id=wIvx9-aVCHMC&q=arc+%2B+columbia+%2B+1934&pg=PA70| url-status=live}}

In 1938, ARC was acquired by the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) under the guidance of chief executive William S. Paley. The company was later renamed Columbia Recording Corporation,{{cite book| first=Raymond E.| last=White| title=King of the Cowboys, Queen of the West: Roy Rogers And Dale Evans| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7IZ_-YerLt0C&pg=PA51| access-date=July 1, 2013| date=July 1, 2006| publisher=Popular Press| isbn=978-0-299-21004-5| page=51| archive-date=July 4, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704121421/http://books.google.com/books?id=7IZ_-YerLt0C&pg=PA51| url-status=live}} and changed again to Columbia Records Inc. in 1947.{{cite web| title=Columbia Records paperwork collection| url=https://www.loc.gov/item/2002655160/| website=Library of Congress| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=March 8, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308121749/https://www.loc.gov/item/2002655160/| url-status=live}} Edward Wallerstein, who served as the head of Columbia Records since the late 1930s, helped establish the company as a leader in the record industry by spearheading the successful introduction of the LP record.{{cite news| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ePUDAAAAMBAJ&q=wallerstein+%2B+columbia+%2B+billboard&pg=PA17| title=Wallerstein Up To Top As Col Boosts White| date=January 3, 1948| access-date=January 2, 2021| magazine=Billboard| page=17| archive-date=May 14, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093752/https://books.google.com/books?id=ePUDAAAAMBAJ&q=wallerstein+%2B+columbia+%2B+billboard&pg=PA17| url-status=live}} Columbia's success continued through the 1950s with the launch of Epic Records in 1953{{cite magazine| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA16| title=Columbia's Epic to Bow with Classic, Pop Line| magazine=Billboard| date=September 19, 1953| page=14| issn=0006-2510| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=July 4, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704120732/http://books.google.com/books?id=ZAoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA16| url-status=live}} and Date Records in 1958.{{cite web| url=https://rcs-discography.com/rcs/labels/d/d306.htm| title=Date (N.Y.)| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720060855/http://rcs-discography.com/rcs/labels/d/d306.htm|archive-date=July 20, 2012| website=Rockin' Country Style| url-status=dead| access-date=December 5, 2009}} By 1962, the Columbia Records productions unit was operating four plants around the United States located in Los Angeles, California; Terre Haute, Indiana; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Pitman, New Jersey.{{cite news| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VBcEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA15| title=Who Else Has Four Big Plants? (advertisement)| magazine=Billboard| date=June 30, 1962| page=15| issn=0006-2510| access-date=June 24, 2013| archive-date=January 9, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109052959/https://books.google.com/books?id=VBcEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA15| url-status=live}}

Columbia's international arm was launched in 1962 under the name "CBS Records", as the company only owned the rights to the Columbia name in North America.{{cite news| url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_eQsEAAAAMBAJ| title=For Information About The Sound Heard 'Round The World, See the CBS International Section (Advertisement)|magazine=Billboard| date=March 16, 1963| page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_eQsEAAAAMBAJ/page/n37 40]| issn=0006-2510| access-date=January 2, 2021}} In 1964, the company began acquiring record companies in other countries for its CBS Records International unit{{cite news| title=CBS Banner Pays Off For Columbia Label| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IUUEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22CBS+BANNER%22+%2B+%22MAY+16%22+%2B+1964+%2B+BILLBOARD&pg=PA1| access-date=January 2, 2021| date=May 16, 1964| page=1| first=Lee| last=Zhito| magazine=Billboard| issn=0006-2510| archive-date=May 14, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093753/https://books.google.com/books?id=IUUEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22CBS+BANNER%22+%2B+%22MAY+16%22+%2B+1964+%2B+BILLBOARD&pg=PA1| url-status=live}} and established its own UK distribution outfit with the acquisition of Oriole Records.{{cite news| title=It's Official CBS-Oriole Deal| magazine=Billboard| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0iAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA3| date=October 3, 1964| page=3| first=Andre| last=de Vekey| issn=0006-2510| access-date=November 28, 2015| archive-date=January 9, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109052959/https://books.google.com/books?id=0iAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA3| url-status=live}}

By 1966, Columbia was renamed CBS Records and was a separate unit of the parent company, CBS-Columbia Group.{{cite news| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0igEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA10| title=Leiberson to Helm Group; Other Changes Made in the CBS Guard| magazine=Billboard| date=June 18, 1966| page=10| issn=0006-2510| quote=CBS Records, under [Clive] Davis who had been administrative vice-president of Columbia Records, will continue to produce and market the Columbia, Epic, Harmony, Date, and Okeh record lines and the Columbia Legacy Collection. ...| access-date=November 28, 2015| archive-date=January 9, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109052959/https://books.google.com/books?id=0igEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA10| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/06/10/archives/lieberson-heads-new-cbs-group-put-in-charge-of-activities-outside.html| title=Lieberson Heads New C.B.S. Group. Put in Charge of Activities Outside Broadcasting| date=June 10, 1966| newspaper=The New York Times| access-date=August 25, 2012| quote=Goddard Lieberson, one of the more prominent figures in the phonograph recording industry, has been named the president of the C.B.S./Columbia Group, a new unit of the Columbia Broadcasting System for expanded activities in education and music. The unit is part of the company's long-range plans to achieve greater diversification outside the field of broadcasting.| archive-date=July 23, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723004045/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/06/10/archives/lieberson-heads-new-cbs-group-put-in-charge-of-activities-outside.html| url-status=live}} In March 1968, CBS and Sony formed CBS/Sony Records, a Japanese business joint venture.{{cite web |title=CBS/Sony Records is Established in First Round of Capital Deregulation |website=Sony History |url=https://www.sony.net/Fun/SH/1-34/h1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216084152/http://www.sony.net/Fun/SH/1-34/h1.html |archive-date=February 16, 2009}}

{{Main|CBS Records International}}

In 1971, CBS Records was expanded into its own "CBS Records Group", with Clive Davis as its administrative vice president and general manager.{{cite news| title=CBS Restructures; Davis Role Widened| magazine=Billboard| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA3| access-date=January 2, 2021| date=July 24, 1971| page=3| issn=0006-2510| archive-date=August 20, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820001349/https://books.google.com/books?id=uwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA3| url-status=live}} In the 1980s to the early 1990s, the company managed several successful labels, including CBS Associated Records,{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j5I4br0t7cwC&q=%22cbs+associated+records%22&pg=PT30 |title=Music Monitor |last=Zuckerman |first=Faye |magazine=Billboard |date=July 21, 1984 |page=31 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093756/https://books.google.com/books?id=j5I4br0t7cwC&q=%22cbs+associated+records%22&pg=PT30 |url-status=live }} which signed artists including Ozzy Osbourne, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Jett, and Henry Lee Summer.{{cite news |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tiQEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22cbs+associated%22+%2B+ozzy+%2B+thunderbirds&pg=RA1-PA7 |title=Pop Albums |magazine=Billboard |date=December 27, 1986 |pages=7–8 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705165550/https://books.google.com/books?id=tiQEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22cbs+associated%22+%2B+ozzy+%2B+thunderbirds&pg=RA1-PA7 |url-status=live }} In 1983, CBS expanded its music publishing business by acquiring the music publishing arm of MGM/UA Entertainment Co.{{cite news| first=Irv| last=Lichtman| title=CBS Songs Grows With MGM/UA Deal| magazine=Billboard| date=January 8, 1983| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PSQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT2| via=Google Books| access-date=September 1, 2019| archive-date=May 23, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523054822/https://books.google.com/books?id=PSQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT2| url-status=live}} CBS later sold the print music arm to Columbia Pictures.{{cite news| first=Irv| last=Lichtman| title=Columbia Pictures To Acquire Big 3| magazine=Billboard| date=February 12, 1983| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9iMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT39| via=Google Books| access-date=September 1, 2019| archive-date=May 23, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523054808/https://books.google.com/books?id=9iMEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PT39| url-status=live}} By 1987, CBS was the only "big three" American TV network to have a co-owned record company.{{cite news |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_TQ0EAAAAMBA |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_TQ0EAAAAMBAJ/page/n39 40] |quote=...as combined sales of BMG's Ariola and RCA imprints... |title=Will Sales Surpass 16 Million in '99? |last=Lannert |first=John |magazine=Billboard |date=January 16, 1999 |access-date=January 2, 2021}} With Sony being one of the developers behind the compact disc digital music media, a compact disc production plant was constructed in Japan under the joint venture, allowing CBS to begin supplying some of the first compact disc releases for the American market in 1983.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/08/business/cbs-sony-inc.html| title=CBS/Sony Inc.| date=December 8, 1982| work=The New York Times| page=D4| url-access=subscription| access-date=July 20, 2009| archive-date=May 11, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511002603/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/08/business/cbs-sony-inc.html| url-status=live}}

In 1986, CBS sold its music publishing division, CBS Songs, to SBK Entertainment.{{cite news |title=CBS Records to Buy Tree, Ending an Era in Nashville |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/04/business/the-media-business-cbs-records-to-buy-tree-ending-an-era-in-nashville.html |last=Pareles |first=Jon |quote=CBS Songs, the record company's publishing arm, was sold in 1986 for $125 million to Stephen Swid, Martin Bandier and Charles Koppelman, who renamed it SBK Entertainment. It is now the second-largest music publishing company. |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 4, 1989 |page=D1 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901212446/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/04/business/the-media-business-cbs-records-to-buy-tree-ending-an-era-in-nashville.html |url-status=live }} On November 17, 1987, Sony acquired CBS Records for US$2 billion. CBS Inc., now Paramount Global, retained the rights to the CBS name for music recordings but granted Sony a temporary license to use the CBS name.{{cite web |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/2-22.html#block5 |title=Sony History Chapter22 CBS/Sony Records is Established in First Round of Capital Deregulation |website=Sony Global |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507013907/http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/2-22.html#block5 |url-status=live }} The sale was completed on January 5, 1988.{{cite news| url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/05/Sony-completes-2-billion-purchase-of-CBS-Records/2527568357200/| title=Sony completes $2 billion purchase of CBS Records| website=United Press International| date=January 5, 1988| access-date=December 3, 2017| archive-date=October 24, 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024164249/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/05/Sony-completes-2-billion-purchase-of-CBS-Records/2527568357200/| url-status=live}} CBS Corporation founded a new CBS Records in 2006, which was distributed by Sony through its RED subsidiary.{{cite web |url=http://www.redmusic.com/labels/ |title=Labels |publisher=RED Music |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619004951/http://www.redmusic.com/labels/ |archive-date=June 19, 2015 |url-status=dead}}

In 1989, CBS Records re-entered the music publishing business by acquiring Nashville-based Tree International Publishing.

File:Sony Music Entertainment (1991).png

Sony renamed the record company Sony Music Entertainment (SME) on January 1, 1991, fulfilling the terms set under the 1988 buyout, which granted only a transitional license to the CBS trademark.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/16/business/cbs-records-changes-name.html| title=CBS Records Changes Name| date=October 16, 1990| website=Reuters| access-date=July 31, 2009| archive-date=July 25, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725033159/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/16/business/cbs-records-changes-name.html| url-status=live}} The CBS Associated label was renamed Epic Associated.{{cite web |url=https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/epic-records-the-vanishing-label-to-be.148350/ |title=Epic Records:The vanishing label to-be? |website=Steve Hoffman Music Forums |date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928103858/http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=148350 |url-status=live }} Also on January 1, 1991, to replace the CBS label, Sony reintroduced the Columbia label worldwide, which it previously held in the United States and Canada only, after it acquired the international rights to the trademark from EMI in 1990. Japan is the only country where Sony does not have rights to the Columbia name as it is controlled by Nippon Columbia, an unrelated company.{{cite web |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/capsule/15/ |title=Vol.15 : CBS/Sony Records Inc. Established in 1968 |website=Sony Time Capsule |access-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624234504/https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/capsule/15/index.html |url-status=live }} Thus, Sony Music Entertainment Japan issues labels under Sony Records. The Columbia Records trademark's rightsholder in Spain was Bertelsmann Music Group, Germany, which Sony Music subsequently subsumed via a 2004 merger, and a subsequent 2008 buyout.{{cite news |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_WQ8EAAAAMBAJ/page/n65/mode/2up?q=bmg+columbia |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_WQ8EAAAAMBAJ/page/n83 76] |quote=When Sony bought CBS, Spain had to keep the name Sony CBS instead of Sony Columbia, until Sony bought the rights to the name Columbia from BMG Spain. |title=The Spanish Star Shines |magazine=Billboard |first=Howell |last=Llewellyn |date=May 27, 2000 |access-date=January 2, 2021}}

In 1995, Sony and pop singer Michael Jackson formed a joint venture which merged Sony's music publishing operations with Jackson's ATV Music to form Sony/ATV Music Publishing.{{cite journal| title=Michael Jackson And Sony Enter Joint Publishing Venture Valued At $600 Million |journal=Jet |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_MDsDAAAAMBAJ |access-date=July 1, 2013 |date=November 27, 1995 |page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_MDsDAAAAMBAJ/page/n35 36–37] |issn=0021-5996 |volume=89 |issue=3}}

File:Bertelsmann Music Group Logo.svg logo used from 2002 to 2004]]

File:Sony BMG logo.svg logo used from 2004 to 2008]]

{{Main|Sony BMG}}

In August 2004, Sony entered a joint venture with an equal partner Bertelsmann, by merging Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group, Germany, to establish Sony BMG Music Entertainment.{{cite journal |url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/08/05/sony-bmg-bertelsmann-tech_cx_pco_0805paidcontent.html?sh=3c95ff3a4d0c |title=Sony Buys Bertelsmann's 50% Stake In Sony BMG For $1.2B |access-date=January 2, 2021 |journal=Forbes |first=David |last=Kaplan |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208234842/https://www.forbes.com/2008/08/05/sony-bmg-bertelsmann-tech_cx_pco_0805paidcontent.html?sh=3c95ff3a4d0c |url-status=live }} However, Sony continued to operate its Japanese music business independently from Sony BMG and BMG Japan was made part of the merger.{{cite press release |url=https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/news/qfhh7c00000jbz3o-att/081002_SMEJ_G.pdf |title=Acquisition of Shares in BMG Japan Inc. by Sony Music Entertainment Japan Inc. for Sony |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment Japan |date=October 2, 2008 |access-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603090447/http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/news/qfhh7c00000jbz3o-att/081002_SMEJ_G.pdf |url-status=live }}

The merger made Columbia and Epic sister labels to RCA Records, which was once owned by CBS rival, NBC.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/06/business/sale-talk-for-rca-records.html |title=Sale Talk For RCA Records |date=September 6, 1986 |newspaper=The New York Times |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013120342/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/06/business/sale-talk-for-rca-records.html |url-status=live }} It also started the process of bringing BMG's Arista Records back under common ownership with its former parent Columbia Pictures, a Sony division since 1989, and brought Arista founder Clive Davis back into the fold.{{cite web |url=https://www.biography.com/search?query=clive+davis |title=Clive Davis |website=Biography |access-date=November 8, 2016 |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208234842/https://www.biography.com/search?query=clive+davis |url-status=live }} As of 2017, Davis was still with Sony Music as a chief creative officer.{{cite news| url=https://www.yahoo.com/music/s/80-no-break-planned-music-exec-clive-davis-125434897.html| title=At 80, no break planned for music exec Clive Davis| date=March 1, 2013| journal=Yahoo! Entertainment| first=Mesfin| last=Fekadu| access-date=June 23, 2015| archive-date=June 23, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623053459/https://www.yahoo.com/music/s/80-no-break-planned-music-exec-clive-davis-125434897.html| url-status=live}}

On August 5, 2008, Sony Corporation of America (SCA) and Bertelsmann announced that Sony had agreed to acquire Bertelsmann's 50% stake in Sony BMG. The acquisition was completed on October 1, 2008.{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-oct-14-fi-sony14-story.html| title=Sony BMG split-up gives Sony more options| last=Nakashima| first=Ryan| date=October 14, 2008| newspaper=Los Angeles Times| access-date=July 31, 2009| archive-date=February 18, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218184150/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/14/business/fi-sony14| url-status=live}} On July 1, 2009, SME and IODA announced a strategic partnership to leverage worldwide online retail distribution networks and complementary technologies to support independent labels and music rights holders.{{cite press release |url=http://press.sonymusic.com/2009/07/01/sony-music-entertainment-and-ioda-partner-to-create-leading-digital-distribution-and-services-network-for-independent-rights-holders/ |title=Sony Music Entertainment and IODA announce strategic partnership |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |date=July 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027202557/http://press.sonymusic.com/2009/07/01/sony-music-entertainment-and-ioda-partner-to-create-leading-digital-distribution-and-services-network-for-independent-rights-holders/ |archive-date=October 27, 2010}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE56064920090701 |title=Sony Music, IODA Create Digital Network |work=Reuters |access-date=July 1, 2009 |first=Yinka |last=Adegoke |date=July 1, 2009 |archive-date=July 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707094123/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE56064920090701 |url-status=live }} In March 2010, Sony Corp partnered with The Michael Jackson Company in a contract of more than $250 million, the largest deal in recorded music history.{{cite news |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-estate-sony-strike-massive-250-million-deal-to-release-king-of-pops-music-20100316 |title=Michael Jackson Estate, Sony Strike Massive $250 Million Deal to Release King of Pop's Music |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 16, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-date=September 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924185541/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/michael-jackson-estate-sony-strike-massive-250-million-deal-to-release-king-of-pops-music-20100316 |url-status=live }}

From 2009 to 2020, Sony owned 50% of Syco Entertainment, which operates some of the world's most successful reality TV formats, including Got Talent and The X Factor with Simon Cowell. Cowell acquired Sony's stake in 2020.{{cite news| title=Simon Cowell acquires Sony Music's stake and retains full control of 'Got Talent' and 'X-Factor'| url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-simone-cowell-buys-out-sony-music-stake-got-talent-syco-20200716-swipfdahbrg5vlw57l5udi4gzy-story.html| first=Karu F.| last=Daniels| date=July 16, 2020| newspaper=New York Daily News| access-date=October 13, 2020| archive-date=May 14, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093750/https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-simone-cowell-buys-out-sony-music-stake-got-talent-syco-20200716-swipfdahbrg5vlw57l5udi4gzy-story.html| url-status=live}}

Doug Morris, who was head of Warner Music Group, and later Universal Music, became chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment on July 1, 2011.{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703559604576176500047935830| newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| first=Ethan| last=Smith| title=Sony Music Recruits CEO| date=March 3, 2011| url-access=subscription| access-date=March 2, 2011| archive-date=June 29, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629101254/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559604576176500047935830.html?mod=googlenews_wsj| url-status=live}} Sony Music underwent restructuring upon Morris's arrival; with some artists switching labels and other labels eliminated.{{cite news| url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/470530/la-reid-to-run-restructured-epic-records| title=L.A. Reid to Run Restructured Epic Records| date=June 15, 2011| magazine=Billboard| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=August 9, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809070308/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/470530/la-reid-to-run-restructured-epic-records| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/la-reid-officially-named-chairman-212497| title=L.A. Reid Officially Named Chairman & CEO of Epic Records| date=July 18, 2011| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=October 12, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012162105/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/la-reid-officially-named-chairman-212497| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rca-records-peter-edge-tom-245241| title=RCA Records' Peter Edge and Tom Corson on Why the Label Downsized and its Place in Sony's Big Picture (Q&A)| last=Halpern| first=Shirley| date=October 7, 2011| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=February 10, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210215410/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rca-records-peter-edge-tom-245241| url-status=live}}{{cite news| title=RCA's New Executive Team Named; Layoffs Expected| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rcas-new-executive-team-named-227056| date=August 24, 2011| first=Ed| last=Christman| newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=June 6, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606163738/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rcas-new-executive-team-named-227056| url-status=live}}

In June 2012, a consortium led by Sony/ATV acquired EMI Music Publishing, making Sony/ATV the world's largest music publisher at the time.{{cite news| url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/sonyatv-becomes-top-music-publisher-with-acquisition-of-emi-catalog-294363/| title=EMI Acquisition Makes Sony/ATV Top Music Publisher| journal=Deadline Hollywood| last=Lieberman| first=David| date=June 29, 2012| access-date=February 28, 2013| archive-date=July 7, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707062607/http://www.deadline.com/2012/06/sonyatv-becomes-top-music-publisher-with-acquisition-of-emi-catalog/| url-status=live}} This acquisition also reunited the common ownership of pre-1986 CBS Songs (as SBK Songs) catalog to Sony/ATV.

Rob Stringer became CEO of Sony Music Entertainment on April 1, 2017. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Columbia Records.{{Cite web|date=October 18, 2016|title=Columbia's Rob Stringer Named CEO of Sony Music|author-first1=Shirley|author-last1=Halperin|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/columbias-rob-stringer-named-ceo-939309|access-date=March 26, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128022436/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/columbias-rob-stringer-named-ceo-939309|url-status=live}}

Sony has experienced many changes with its international labels. In February 2012, Sony Music reportedly closed its Filipino office due to piracy, and Ivory Music and Video had been handling distribution for its catalog a few months earlier in July 2011.{{cite news| url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/infotech/sony-music-succumbs-to-piracy-closes-philippine-office| title=Sony Music succumbs to piracy, closes Philippine office| work=InterAksyon| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614012436/http://www.interaksyon.com/infotech/sony-music-succumbs-to-piracy-closes-philippine-office| archive-date=June 14, 2012| url-status=dead| access-date=June 9, 2012}} In early 2018, their distribution deal with Ivory expired and SME resumed its operations in the Philippines, with the new offices still located in Ortigas Center, Pasig.{{cite web |last1=Liwanag |first1=Punch |title=Audio Junkie: Sony Music opens shop anew in PH |url=https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2018/09/15/audio-junkie-sony-music-opens-shop-anew-in-ph/ |website=Manila Bulletin |access-date=August 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915115337/https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2018/09/15/audio-junkie-sony-music-opens-shop-anew-in-ph/ |archive-date=September 15, 2018}} In July 2013, Sony Music withdrew from the Greek market due to an economic crisis.{{cite news| url=https://www.inewsgr.com/98/kleinei-i-istoriki-diskografiki-sony-music-greece.htm| title=Κλείνει η ιστορική δισκογραφική Sony Music Greece| date=June 27, 2013| newspaper=iNews| trans-title=The historical record label Sony Music Greece closes| access-date=January 2, 2021| language=el| archive-date=February 2, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202093100/http://www.inewsgr.com/98/kleinei-i-istoriki-diskografiki-sony-music-greece.htm| url-status=live}} Albums released by Sony Music in Greece from domestic and foreign artists would then be carried by Feelgood Records.{{cite web| url=http://www.discogs.com/label/601600-Feelgood-Records-2| title=Feelgood Records (2)| website=Discogs| access-date=June 24, 2015| archive-date=July 24, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724050409/http://www.discogs.com/label/601600-Feelgood-Records-2| url-status=live}}

In June 2017, Sony announced that by March 2018 it would be producing vinyl records internally for the first time since ceasing its production in 1989.{{Cite news |date=June 29, 2017 |title=Sony Music goes back to vinyl records |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40445192 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171114/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40445192 |url-status=live }} Reporting the decision, the BBC noted that, "Sony's move comes a few months after it equipped its Tokyo studio with a cutting lathe, used to produce the master discs needed for manufacturing vinyl records" but added that "Sony is even struggling to find older engineers who know how to make records".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40445192|title=Sony Music goes back to vinyl records|date=June 29, 2017|work=BBC News Online|access-date=June 29, 2017|archive-date=June 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629155011/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40445192|url-status=live}}

On February 5, 2019, a group of 1970s-era musicians including David Johansen and John Waite filed lawsuits accusing Sony Music Entertainment and UMG Recordings, Inc. of improperly refusing to let them reclaim the rights to songs they had signed away earlier in their careers.{{cite web| url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/05/reuters-america-1970s-era-musicians-sue-sony-umg-to-reclaim-song-rights.html| title=1970s-era musicians sue Sony, UMG to reclaim song rights| last=Stempel| first=Jonathan| date=February 5, 2019| website=CNBC| access-date=February 6, 2019| archive-date=February 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015207/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/05/reuters-america-1970s-era-musicians-sue-sony-umg-to-reclaim-song-rights.html| url-status=live}} The lawsuit cites U.S. copyright law, which gives artists who formerly bargained away their rights on unfavorable terms a chance to reclaim those rights by filing termination notices after 35 years.{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sony-vivendi-copyright-idUSKCN1PU2G6| title=1970s-era musicians sue Sony, UMG to reclaim song rights| date=February 6, 2019| work=Reuters| access-date=February 6, 2019| language=en| archive-date=February 6, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206003020/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sony-vivendi-copyright-idUSKCN1PU2G6| url-status=live}} The plaintiffs claim that Sony and UMG have "routinely and systematically" ignored hundreds of notices, having taken the position that recordings are "works made for hire" and are therefore not subject to being reclaimed.

In April 2021, the Brazilian media company Grupo Globo sold its domestic record label Som Livre to Sony Music for an undisclosed amount.{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Sony Music Entertainment to Acquire Brazilian Independent Music Company Som Livre – Sony Music |url=https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic/som-livre-acquisition/ |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=Sony Music Entertainment |language=en-US |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528011056/https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic/som-livre-acquisition/ |url-status=live }} It was approved by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense on November 4, 2021.

The UK media company Somethin' Else was acquired outright by Sony Music in 2021, to form a Global Podcast Division, headed up by the Somethin' Else principles, Steve Ackerman and Jez Nelson. The new division was to have teams in New York, LA and London.{{Cite web |title=Somethin' else and Sony Music launch podcast partnership |url=https://www.musicweek.com/digital/read/somethin-else-and-sony-music-launch-podcast-partnership/078788 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404175213/https://www.musicweek.com/digital/read/somethin-else-and-sony-music-launch-podcast-partnership/078788 |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2021 |title=Sony acquires Somethin' else to expand global podcast division |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/06/sony-acquires-somethin-else-to-expand-global-podcast-division/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404175213/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/06/sony-acquires-somethin-else-to-expand-global-podcast-division/ |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2022 |title=Somethin' else appoints Head of Branded Podcasts for the UK |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2022/01/somethin-else-appoints-head-of-branded-podcasts-for-the-uk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126165539/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2022/01/somethin-else-appoints-head-of-branded-podcasts-for-the-uk/ |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2022}}

In 2022, Sony Music Entertainment acquired boutique branding and merchandising agency, Ceremony of Roses (CoR).{{Cite web |title=Meet Sony Music's new global merch arm: Ceremony of Roses |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/meet-sony-musics-new-global-merch-arm-ceremony-of-roses123451/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Music Business Worldwide|date=January 19, 2022 }}{{Cite web |title=Sony Music buys Ceremony of Roses as new merch arm |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sony-music-buys-ceremony-roses-new-merch-arm |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Music Africa|date=January 25, 2022 }} CoR would handle SME's 'branding, design, media and events'. The newly acquired company would merge with Sony's existing merch division and continue under the CoR banner. The merger brought together artists like Adele, A$AP Rocky, and Lil Nas X under one merchandising house. According to Sony, the move will help expand their merchandising team and take artists' merch to the next level.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Andrea |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Sony Music Entertainment Launches New Global Merchandising Venture Through Strategic Investment in Leading Boutique Company Ceremony of Roses – Sony Music |url=https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic/ceremony-of-roses-global-merchandising-venture/ |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=Sony Music Entertainment |language=en-US |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215151427/https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic/ceremony-of-roses-global-merchandising-venture/ |url-status=live }}

In January 2023, Sony Music and Alamo Records founder Todd Moscowitz launched Santa Anna, an artist and label services company.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Sony Music and Alamo Records CEO Todd Moscowitz Launch Santa Anna, New Artist and Label Services Company |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sony-music-alamo-todd-moscowitz-santa-anna-1235482194/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123140637/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sony-music-alamo-todd-moscowitz-santa-anna-1235482194/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2024, it was announced Sony Music Entertainment's Global Podcast Division had acquired the Los Angeles-headquartered podcast production company, Neon Hum Media for an undisclosed amount.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-09 |title=Sony Music strengthens podcast game with acquisition of Neon Hum Media |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-strengthens-podcast-game-with-acquisition-of-neon-hum-media/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}

{{Infobox record label

| name = Sony Music Entertainment Canada Incorporated

| founded = {{Start date and age|1990}}

| image = Sony Music Entertainment Logo 2023.svg

| image_size = 140px

| country = Canada

| location = 99 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

| website = {{URL|sonymusic.ca}}

}}

Sony Music Canada was formed when Sony Music acquired Canadian assets of CBS Records in 1990 (itself formerly Columbia Records Canada in 1954).{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sony-music-entertainment-inc-emc|title=Sony Music Entertainment Inc|website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}}

Sony Music Canada is operated by Sony Canada, which evolved from General Distributors or Gendis, which had been founded in Winnipeg in 1954 by Albert D. Cohen, who had made a deal with Sony to market its transistor radios in the same year.{{cite web | url=https://corporate.sony.ca/view/history.htm#:~:text=Sony%20of%20Canada%20ULC%20evolved,first%20transistor%20radio%20in%201955. | title=Sony.ca History }}

{{Infobox record label

| name = Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

| founded = {{Start date and age|1980|01|04}}

| image = Sony Music Entertainment Logo 2023.svg

| image_size = 140px

| country = United Kingdom

| location = 2 Canal Reach, London, UK

| website = {{URL|sonymusic.co.uk}}

}}

Sony Music UK was founded in January 1980 and is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment in the United Kingdom. Since 2014, Jason Iley has been chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK.{{Cite magazine |title=Jason Iley Named CEO Of Sony Music U.K. |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jason-iley-named-ceo-of-sony-music-uk-6039450/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}} Though owned by Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music UK has standalone operations in the UK to promote musicians within the UK.{{cite news| first=Roy| last=Trakin| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jason-iley-tapped-as-head-694355| title=Jason Iley Tapped as Head Of Sony Music U.K.| journal=The Hollywood Reporter| date=April 4, 2014| access-date=January 2, 2021| language=en| archive-date=July 6, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706170458/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jason-iley-tapped-as-head-694355| url-status=live}}

In June 2017, it was announced that Sony would be merging its two independent distribution companies The Orchard and Red Essential.{{cite news| url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-merges-orchard-red-essential-uk-market/| title=Sony merges The Orchard and Red Essential in UK market| date=June 1, 2017| journal=Music Business Worldwide| access-date=June 6, 2017| language=en-US| archive-date=June 6, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606191150/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-merges-orchard-red-essential-uk-market/| url-status=live}}

In 2014, Sony had its best singles success of 33 years, with 11 number 1 singles. Sony Music artists won a total of five individual awards at the BRITs 2015, including Best Female Solo Artist for Paloma Faith, and Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk", which picked up Best British Single. Several other of the label's artists – Foo Fighters, One Direction and Pharrell Williams – also collected awards.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/brit-awards/10649137/Brit-Awards-2014-the-winners-in-full.html| title=Brit Awards 2014: the winners in full| newspaper=The Daily Telegraph| location=London| access-date=March 10, 2017| language=en| archive-date=August 6, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806024738/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/brit-awards/10649137/Brit-Awards-2014-the-winners-in-full.html| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.capitalfm.com/events/brits/news/2015-winners-list/| title=BRIT Awards 2015 Winners List – Full List Of This Year's Awards| work=Capital| access-date=March 20, 2017| language=en| archive-date=April 2, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402184345/http://www.capitalfm.com/events/brits/news/2015-winners-list/| url-status=live}}

Sony's performance at the BRITs 2015 was the label's best in nearly 20 years, winning a total of 5 awards. In 2017, Sony Music UK celebrated the most successful BRIT Awards in the company's history, winning seven of the 11 awards.{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2017 |title=Sony Music triumphs with its most successful BRIT Awards ever |url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/sony-music-triumphs-with-its-most-successful-brit-awards-ever/ |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=Sony Music UK |language=en-US |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328152917/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/sony-music-triumphs-with-its-most-successful-brit-awards-ever/ |url-status=live }}

Sony Music UK has made key acquisitions including forming Insanity Records with Insanity Management. Craig David became the first artist to sign an album deal with Insanity Records. Sony Music UK signed Robbie Williams, who released his 11th album The Heavy Entertainment Show in 2016. Jason Iley commented that the agreement was "a once in a lifetime signing with the biggest male solo artist of our generation".{{cite web| url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/insanity-records/| title=Insanity Records| website=Sony Music UK| language=en| access-date=March 10, 2017| archive-date=March 12, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063319/http://www.sonymusic.co.uk/labels/insanity-records| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/robbie-williams-signs-to-sony-music/064724| title=Robbie Williams signs to Sony Music| date=May 8, 2016| access-date=January 2, 2021| journal=Music Week| language=en| archive-date=March 8, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308140333/https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/robbie-williams-signs-to-sony-music/064724| url-status=live}}

Sony Music UK incorporated the independent sales and distribution company Essential Music and Marketing – renamed to Red Essential. In August 2016, Sony Music acquired Ministry of Sound Recordings, home to London Grammar, DJ Fresh and Sigala.{{cite news| url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-and-sony-neck-and-neck-in-us-video-streaming-market-share-as-tunecore-leads-the-indies/| title=Universal and Sony neck-and-neck in US video streaming market share – as Tunecore leads the Indies| date=January 10, 2017| work=Music Business Worldwide| access-date=March 10, 2017| language=en-US| archive-date=March 13, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124537/http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-and-sony-neck-and-neck-in-us-video-streaming-market-share-as-tunecore-leads-the-indies/| url-status=live}}{{cite news| url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-has-universals-market-share-dipped-this-year/| title=Why has Universal lost market share this year?| date=November 21, 2016| work=Music Business Worldwide| access-date=March 10, 2017| language=en-US| archive-date=February 11, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211080055/http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/why-has-universals-market-share-dipped-this-year/| url-status=live}}

On April 5, 2017, two of Sony Music UK's labels won awards at the annual Music Week Awards. Columbia Records was awarded A&R of the Year, and Syco was awarded Record Company of the Year.{{cite news| url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/2017-music-week-awards-and-the-winners-are/068084| title=2017 Music Week Awards: And the winners are...| access-date=April 12, 2017| journal=Music Week| language=en| archive-date=April 11, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411092554/https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/2017-music-week-awards-and-the-winners-are/068084| url-status=live}}

In 2021, Sony agreed to buy Kobalt neighboring rights division and independent distribution company AWAL, from the Kobalt Music Group for $430 million.{{Cite magazine|title=Not for Sale: After Unloading AWAL, Kobalt Says It's Off the Block|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/publishing/9519611/kobalt-not-for-sale-awal-sale-sony|access-date=March 5, 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=February 2, 2021|language=en|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309182708/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/publishing/9519611/kobalt-not-for-sale-awal-sale-sony/|url-status=live}}

In 2024, the former members of Pink Floyd sold their entire catalog for $400 million to Sony.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/pink-floyd-sells-music-rights-to-sony-400-million-1236165925/|title=Pink Floyd sells music rights to Sony for $400 million|website=Variety|date=2 October 2024|access-date=7 May 2025}} Previously, the band had licensed their music to Sony (from 1975 to 1999 and then again from 2016 until the sale) outside Europe, where the distribution was handled by EMI and later Warner Music Group.

{{Infobox company

| name = Sony Music Entertainment, LLC

| logo = Sony Music logo.svg

| logo_size = 140px

| trading_name = Sony Music Russia

| native_name = Сони Мьюзик Энтертейнмент

| romanized_name = Soni Myuzik Enterteynment

| industry = Music recording

| founded = {{Start date and age|1999}}

| dissolved = {{End date and age|2022|03|10}}

| fate = Dissolved

| hq_location_city = Moscow

| key_people = Arina Dmitrieva (CEO)

| revenue = US$42.7 million (FY 2021)

| operating_income = US$2.22 million (FY 2021)

| area_served = Russia

| owner = Sony

| num_employees = 40-50 (2022){{Cite web|language=ru|url=https://www.ixbt.com/news/2022/09/08/iz-rossijskih-strimingovyh-servisov-propadut-treki-jelvisa-presli-selin-dion-britni-spirs-majkla-dzheksona-i-mnogih.html|title=Sony Music полностью уходит из России|work=iXBT.com|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=September 19, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922001639/https://www.ixbt.com/news/2022/09/08/iz-rossijskih-strimingovyh-servisov-propadut-treki-jelvisa-presli-selin-dion-britni-spirs-majkla-dzheksona-i-mnogih.html}}

| parent = SBME Holdings B.V.

| website = {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20220315001714/https://www.sonymusic.ru/}} (archived)

}}

Sony Music Entertainment Russia was the Russian music label of Sony Music Entertainment. The company opened its division in the Russian Federation in 1999.{{Cite web|language=ru|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5549427|title=От Sony Music останется "Коала"|work=Kommersant|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=September 19, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173002/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5549427}} In 2000, the first contract was signed with the Russian group Bi-2.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} For 2021, experts estimated the company's share in the Russian recording market at approximately 15-20%. Sony Music Entertainment LLC's revenue in 2021 amounted to 2.56 billion rubles ($42.7 million). Net profit amounted to 132.9 million rubles ($2.22 million).

On March 10, 2022, in connection with Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sony Music Entertainment announced the suspension of operations and new releases in Russia, while Russian employees of Sony Music Group receive pay indefinitely.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5251207|title=Sony Music Group и Warner Music Group приостанавливают деятельность в России|access-date=September 19, 2022|work=Kommersant|date=March 10, 2022|archive-date=August 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811233638/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5251207|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|language=ru|url=https://www.fontanka.ru/2022/03/10/70499501/|title=Вслед за Universal, из России уходит лейбл Sony Music. Warner выжидает|website=Fontanka.ru|date=March 10, 2022|access-date=September 19, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173501/https://www.fontanka.ru/2022/03/10/70499501/}} On September 8, Sony Music officially announced its final withdrawal from Russia. The company recalled all foreign catalogs from the Russian streaming services Yandex Music, Zvooq and VK Music, and tracks from AC/DC, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Bring Me the Horizon and many other artists were removed. The Russian division is intended as a completely independent structure from Sony Music to represent only local musicians under the new brand Kiss Koala,{{Cite web|language=ru|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5549199|title=Sony Music объявила об окончательном уходе из России|work=Коммерсантъ|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=September 19, 2022|archive-date=September 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172255/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5549199}} which was later bought by the structures of former top managers of Warner Music Russia.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-17 |title=Укрупненная музыкальная форма |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5772915 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Коммерсантъ |language=ru}}

{{main|CD price fixing}}

Between 1995 and 2000, music companies were found to have used illegal marketing agreements such as minimum advertised pricing to artificially inflate prices of compact discs. This was done in order to end price wars of the early 1990s among discounters such as Best Buy and Target.{{cite news |first=Stephen |last=Labaton |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/11/business/5-music-companies-settle-federal-case-on-cd-price-fixing.html |title=5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case On CD Price-Fixing |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 11, 2000 |access-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-date=May 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530193352/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/11/business/5-music-companies-settle-federal-case-on-cd-price-fixing.html |url-status=live }} A settlement was reached in 2002 that included music publishers and distributors Sony Music, Warner Music, Bertelsmann Music Group, EMI Music and Universal Music. In restitution for price fixing, they agreed to pay a $67.4 million fine and distribute $75.7 million in CDs to public and non-profit groups but admitted no wrongdoing.{{cite news |first=David |last=Lieberman |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2002-09-30-cd-settlement_x.htm |title=5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case On CD Price-Fixing |date=September 30, 2002 |access-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207165313/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2002-09-30-cd-settlement_x.htm |url-status=live }} It is estimated that customers were overcharged by nearly $500 million overall and up to $5 per album.

{{main|Panayiotou v Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd.}}

British artist George Michael, signed to Columbia in the U.S. and Epic worldwide, advised Sony executives in 1990 that he would not be appearing in music videos to support his forthcoming album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Michael then accused Sony of not promoting the album at all. He sued in the UK in 1992, asking to be released from his contract. Sony ultimately prevailed in the courts in 1994, but Michael's contract was bought out by other labels. Some 11 years later, Michael licensed tracks to Sony for release.{{Cite journal |last=Coulthard |first=Alan |date=September 1995 |title=George Michael v Sony Music-A Challenge to Artistic Freedom? |journal=The Modern Law Review |volume=58 |issue=5 |pages=731–744 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-2230.1995.tb02047.x |issn=0026-7961|doi-access=free }}

The release of Invincible was preceded by a dispute between Michael Jackson and Sony Music Entertainment. Jackson had expected the licenses to the masters of his albums to revert to him sometime in the early 2000s, after which he would be able to promote the material however he pleased and keep the profits; however, clauses in the contract set the revert date years into the future. Jackson discovered that the attorney who had represented him in the deal had also been representing Sony.{{cite book| title=Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story 1958–2009| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HNUr4CBd7ksC&q=invincible| first=J. Randy| last=Taraborrelli| date=July 15, 2009| pages=610–611| publisher=Grand Central| isbn=978-0-4465-6568-4| access-date=January 4, 2021| archive-date=July 5, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705165531/https://books.google.com/books?id=HNUr4CBd7ksC&q=invincible| url-status=live}} He was also concerned that for years Sony had been pressuring him to sell his share in its music catalog venture; he feared that Sony might have had a conflict of interest, since if Jackson's career failed, he would have had to sell his share of the catalog at a low price.Taraborrelli, 2009, pp. 614–7. Jackson sought an early exit from his contract.

In July 2002, Jackson alleged that the then-Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola was a "devil" and "racist" who did not support his African-American artists, using them merely for his own gain. He charged that Mottola had called his colleague Irv Gotti a "fat nigger".{{cite episode |credits=Jermaine Jackson; Connie Chung |title=Interview with Jermaine Jackson |date=December 31, 2002 |series=Connie Chung Tonight |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cct/date/2002-12-31/segment/00 |access-date=July 2, 2008 |network=CNN |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105181714/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0212/31/cct.00.html |url-status=live }} Sony refused to renew Jackson's contract, and claimed that a {{Nowrap|$25 million}} promotional campaign had failed because Jackson refused to tour in the United States.{{cite news |first=Oliver |last=Burkeman |date=July 7, 2002 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman |title=Jackon gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star? |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=May 31, 2015 |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702105224/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jul/08/oliverburkeman |url-status=live }}

In May 2012, Sony Music filed charges against the website IsoHunt.{{cite journal |url=https://torrentfreak.com/record-labels-threaten-the-open-internet-isohunt-tells-court-120229/ |title=Record Labels Threaten the Open Internet, isoHunt Tells Court |journal=TorrentFreak |date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |first=Ernesto |last=Van der Sar |archive-date=February 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215195352/http://torrentfreak.com/record-labels-threaten-the-open-internet-isohunt-tells-court-120229/ |url-status=live }} The plaintiff's claims in the court document filed at the Supreme Court of British Columbia read: "The IsoHunt Websites have been designed and are operated by the defendants with the sole purpose of profiting from rampant copyright infringement which defendants actively encourage, promote, authorize, induce, aid, abet, materially contribute to and commercially profit from."{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/83175814/isohunt-scbc |title=Isohunt-scbc |publisher=Scribd.com |date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123000229/http://www.scribd.com/doc/83175814/isohunt-scbc |url-status=dead }} In February 2016, in a lawsuit filed at a California federal court, Sony Music Entertainment and its associated brands (Arista Records and LaFace Records, formerly owned by Bertelsmann Music Group) accused Belgian radio aggregator Radionomy (owned by Universal Music Group's parent Vivendi) of copyright infringement.{{cite news| url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-sues-universal-sister-company-radionomy/| title=Sony Music sues Universal sister company Radionomy| journal=Music Business Worldwide| date=March 2, 2016| access-date=January 2, 2021| archive-date=May 3, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503022738/http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-sues-universal-sister-company-radionomy| url-status=live}}

{{Main|Kesha v. Dr. Luke}}

In February 2016, 100,000 people signed an online petition in less than 24 hours, calling for a boycott of Sony Music and all other Sony-affiliated businesses after rape allegations against music producer Dr. Luke were made by musical artist Kesha. Kesha asked a New York City Supreme Court to free her from her contract with Sony Music, but the court denied the request, prompting a widespread public and media response.{{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/02/20/over-100000-kesha-supporters-call-for-sony-boycott-after-judge-rules-she-must-honor-contract-despite-dr-luke-rape-allegations/ |title=Over 100,000 Kesha supporters call for Sony Music boycott after judge rules she must honor contract despite Dr. Luke rape allegations |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=February 20, 2016 |access-date=February 20, 2016 |archive-date=February 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221094339/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/kesha-supporters-call-sony-boycott-court-ruling-article-1.2538503 |url-status=live }}

{{Cleanup list|section|reason=This list of labels should be totally deleted and replaced with one small summary paragraph of the most important ones with main at the top. WP:PROSELINEdate=October 2023|date=October 2023}}

{{Main|List of Sony Music labels}}

• Columbia Records
• RCA Records
• Epic Records
• Arista Records

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

; Country music

• Sony Music Nashville
• Columbia Nashville
• RCA Records Nashville

; Dance/electronic music

• Epic Amsterdam{{cite web |title=Epic Amsterdam |url=http://epicamsterdam.nl/ |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103085126/http://epicamsterdam.nl/ |archive-date=November 3, 2017 |url-status=dead}}
• Stmpd Rcrds (co-distribution with Universal Music Group)
• EEM Records
• Ultra Records
• Ministry of Sound{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/7468487/sony-music-uk-acquires-ministry-of-sound |title=Sony Music UK Acquires Ministry of Sound |first=Richard |last=Smirke |date=August 10, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322134308/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/7468487/sony-music-uk-acquires-ministry-of-sound |url-status=live }}
• Liquid State (joint-venture){{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8097373/liquid-state-edm-label-sony-music-tencent-dance |title=Sony Music & Tencent Launch Dance Music Label Liquid State |first=Rob |last=Schultz |date=January 31, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123054510/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8097373/liquid-state-edm-label-sony-music-tencent-dance |url-status=live }}

; Christian/gospel music

• Provident Label Group
• RCA Inspiration
• Kingdom Life Records
• DeJountae Records

; Latin

• Sony Music Latin

; Classical/jazz music

• Sony Masterworks
• Sony Classical Records
• Milan Records
• Portrait Records
• RCA Red Seal Records
• Okeh Records
• Flying Buddha
• Masterworks Broadway
• XXIM Records

; Blues music

• Blind Pig Records

; Pop music

• Disruptor Records

; Rock music

• Another Century Records

; Metal music

• Century Media Records
• Music for Nations

; Progressive music

• Inside Out Music

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

; Sony Music UK{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/|title=Sony Music UK | Official Website|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308145422/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/labels-and-partners/|title=Sony Music UK | Labels & Partners|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204195135/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/labels-and-partners/|url-status=live}}

• Columbia Records UK{{Cite web|title=Sony Music UK – Columbia Records|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/columbia-records/|access-date=October 26, 2021|website=Sony Music UK|language=en-US|archive-date=October 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026111135/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/columbia-records/|url-status=live}}
• Relentless Records
• 5K Records{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/5k-records/|title=Sony Music UK | 5K Records|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125101622/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/5k-records/|url-status=live}}
• Black Butter Records (joint-venture){{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/black-butter/|title=Sony Music UK | Black Butter|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=March 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329164740/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/black-butter/|url-status=live}}
• Dream Life Records{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/dream-life-records/|title=Sony Music UK | Dream Life Records|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118031629/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/dream-life-records/|url-status=live}}
• Insanity Records (joint-venture){{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/insanity-records/|title=Sony Music UK | Insanity Records|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205152910/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/insanity-records/|url-status=live}}
• Magic Star{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/magic-star/|title=Sony Music UK | Magic Star|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120190324/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/magic-star/|url-status=live}}
• Robots + Humans{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/robots-humans/|title=Sony Music UK | Robots + Humans|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125102536/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/robots-humans/|url-status=live}}
• Since '93{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/since-93/|title=Sony Music UK | Since '93|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204190158/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/since-93/|url-status=live}}
• Sony Music Nashville UK{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/nashville/|title=Sony Music UK | Sony Music Nashville|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126151939/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/nashville/|url-status=live}}
• WEAREBLK (joint-venture){{Cite web|url=https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/weareblk/|title=Sony Music UK | WEAREBLK|website=Sony Music UK|access-date=March 10, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201120108/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/label/weareblk/|url-status=live}}
• District 18 Entertainment (joint-venture)

• Heavy Muscle (joint-venture)

; Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd.

• Sony Music India
• Sony Music South

; Distributed labels

• Equal Vision Records
• Megaforce Records
• Metal Blade Records
• Rimas Entertainment
• Robbins Entertainment
• Shrapnel Records
• Third Man Records
• Thirty Tigers
• ABC Music
• Big Brother Recordings
• Heist or Hit Records
• Mello Music Group
• Babygrande Records

; Catalog

• Legacy Recordings
• Follow That Dream Records
• Louder Than Life Records

; International

• Ariola Records Intl.
• Defstar Records Intl.
• Relentless Records
• Som Livre

; Independent music distribution

• The Orchard
• IODA
• AWAL
• XE

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• 19 Recordings (2001–2010) (previously through BMG and RCA Music Group, now distributed by BMG Rights Management)
• Def Jam Recordings (1985–1994) (previously through Columbia Records, now part of Universal Music Group)
• Loud Records (1992–2002) (previously through Zoo Entertainment, then RCA Records, and later Columbia Records, now a new company called SRC Records through Universal Music Group)
• Chaos Recordings Brasil (1993–2000) (previously part of Columbia Records, now dissolved)
• The Work Group (1993–2000) (previously through Epic Records, now dissolved)
• Date Records (1958–1970) (previously through Columbia Records, now dissolved)
• Aware Records (1997–2010) (now part of Universal Music Group through Republic Records)
• PiperWorld Entertainment (2008–2013) (previously through Columbia Records)
• Roc Nation (2009–2013) (previously through Columbia Records; now distributed by Universal Music Group){{Cite news|first=Ben|last=Sisari|date=April 8, 2013|title=Jay-Z's Entertainment Company Makes Music Deal With Universal|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/business/media/jay-zs-entertainment-company-makes-music-deal-with-universal.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=April 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413074801/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/business/media/jay-zs-entertainment-company-makes-music-deal-with-universal.html|url-status=live}}
• Nick Records (1993–2010) (previously through Sony Music, now dissolved)
• The Echo Label (2013–2017) (owned by BMG Chrysalis; now distributed by Warner Music Group)
• Volcano Entertainment (1996–2019) (previously through Zomba Label Group and later RCA Records, now dissolved)
• RED Music (1979–2017) (now dissolved)
• Syco Music (2002–2020) (previously through Sony Music UK, now dissolved)

{{div col end}}

{{Portal|Music|Companies}}

• List of Sony Music artists
• Sony Music Publishing
• Sony BMG
• Sony BMG copy protection rootkit scandal
• Sony Music Entertainment Japan
• Sony Music Australia
• Sony Music UK
• Sony Music India
• Tero Entertainment
• Lists of record labels

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|sonymusic.com}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090613021647/http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/135/135429.html Yahoo! – Sony Music Entertainment Company Profile] via Yahoo! Business
• {{YouTube|user=sonybmg}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054710/http://www.sonymusic.co.il/ Sony Music TV]
• {{MusicBrainz label|id=9e6b4d7f-4958-4db7-8504-d89e315836af|name=Sony Music}}

{{Sony Music}}

{{Sony}}

{{Music industry}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Sony Music

Category:American companies established in 1929

Category:Companies based in New York City

Category:IFPI members

Category:Record label distributors

Category:Entertainment companies established in 1929

Category:Recording Industry Association of America

Category:American subsidiaries of foreign companies