Virgin

Virgin Records was founded in 1972 by Richard Branson, Nik Powell, and Simon Draper in the United Kingdom. Initially focused on progressive rock and emerging genres, the label quickly gained prominence with artists like Mike Oldfield, whose debut album "Tubular Bells" became a massive success. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Virgin expanded its roster to include influential acts such as the Sex Pistols, Culture Club, and Simple Minds, diversifying into pop, punk, and new wave. In the 1990s, Virgin continued to thrive with artists like The Chemical Brothers and The Verve, further establishing its presence in electronic and alternative music. The label was sold to EMI in 1992, and later became part of Universal Music Group in 2012. Virgin's legacy is marked by its innovative marketing strategies and its role in shaping popular music, making it one of the most recognized labels in the industry.