Business History Explorer Supported by the Business Archives Council

Columbia Graphophone Co Ltd

Other Business Names:

  • Dorian, Frank
  • Odeon Records
  • Parlophone Records
  • Gramophone Co Ltd
  • Electrical & Musical Industries Ltd
  • EMI Ltd

Locations city-town / local authority / county1974 / region-state / country:

  • London, Greater London, Greater London, Greater London, England

Sectors:

  • Publishing & printing Sound & video production & publishing
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Sound & video recording & reproduction equipment production

Notes:

Traced origins to 1897 when Columbia Graphophone of USA established an agency in UK under Frank Dorian. 1917 US business reorganised its UK interests as Columbia Graphophone Co Ltd. 1923 UK public company which in 1925 acquired the former US parent. 1926 acquired Odeon Records and Parlophone Records. 1931 merged with Gramophone Co Ltd to form Electrical & Musical Industries Ltd [EMI Ltd]. Columbia Records was a leading brand of EMI recordings in 1950s and 60s. Late 1920s established a radio manufacturing business

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