Columbia ARC

Columbia ARC, officially known as Columbia Records, was founded in 1887 as the Columbia Phonograph Company in Washington, D.C. It became one of the first major record labels in the United States, pioneering the use of the 78 RPM record format. In the 1920s, Columbia introduced the first electrical recordings, enhancing sound quality significantly. The label gained prominence in various genres, including jazz, pop, and classical music. Notable artists associated with Columbia ARC include Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and later, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The label played a crucial role in the development of the LP format in the late 1940s, further solidifying its influence in the music industry. Columbia ARC's legacy is marked by its innovative approaches to recording technology and its diverse catalog, which has shaped American music over the decades. Today, it remains a significant entity within Sony Music Entertainment, continuing to release new music while preserving its rich history.