CBS Direct

CBS Direct was established in the early 1980s as a division of Columbia Records, part of CBS Inc. It was primarily focused on direct-to-consumer sales, offering a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical. The label gained prominence during the 1980s and 1990s, leveraging innovative marketing strategies that included mail-order subscriptions and exclusive releases. Notable artists associated with CBS Direct included Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Simon & Garfunkel, all of whom contributed to the label's reputation for high-quality music. The label's catalog featured both classic hits and contemporary releases, appealing to a diverse audience. As the music industry evolved with the advent of digital distribution, CBS Direct's prominence diminished. The label's legacy lies in its role in pioneering direct marketing in the music industry and its contributions to the catalogs of some of the most iconic artists of the era.