Mark IV

Mark IV Records was founded in 1964 by music executive and producer, Bob Shad, in New York City. Initially, the label focused on jazz and folk music, releasing albums from notable artists such as the jazz saxophonist Jimmy Giuffre and folk singer Eric Anderson. Throughout the late 1960s, Mark IV expanded its catalog to include rock and pop, signing acts like the influential band The Youngbloods. The label gained recognition for its diverse roster and innovative sound during the counterculture movement. However, by the early 1970s, Mark IV faced challenges in a rapidly changing music industry and eventually ceased operations. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the label left a lasting impact on the genres it represented, contributing to the evolution of American music in the 1960s and 1970s. Its legacy continues to be appreciated by collectors and historians of the era.