ABC

ABC Records, formerly known as ABC-Paramount, was a major player in the North American music industry during the 1950s and 1960s. They signed early rock & roll artists like Paul Anka, Lloyd Price, and the Poni-Tails. Over the years, they acquired and launched many labels including Impulse!, Apt Records, Bluesway, Audition, Command, Grand Award, Dunhill, 20th Century Fox Records, Duke, Peacock Records, and Back Beat among others.

In the seventies, ABC Records found success with rock bands like The James Gang and Steely Dan. They also released top soul recordings from artists like Isaac Hayes and The Four Tops. Additionally, they entered the country music field after acquiring Dot Records in 1974 with Freddy Fender and Barbara Mandrell leading their charge on Music Row.

Throughout its history ABC had various label names such as Probe for progressive rock releases managed by its Command division. In different countries around the world distribution of ABC recordings was handled by labels like Anchor Records in the UK or Sparton Of Canada Ltd. in Canada until it was eventually sold to MCA Records in 1979.