Sony Music

American multinational music recording company

For the Japanese operations using this name, see Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

Sony Music Entertainment

Logo used since 2023

Headquarters at 25 Madison Avenue, New York City

Formerly|

* American Record Corporation (1929–1938)
* Columbia Records, USA (1938–1966)
* CBS Records (1966–1991)
* Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. (first incarnation; 1991–2004)
* Sony BMG Music Entertainment (2004–2008)

Company type| Subsidiary
Industry| Music
Genre| Various
Predecessors|

* Victor Talking Machine Company (1906–1924)
* RCA Victor (1924–1985)
* Ariola Records (1937–1985)
* Bertelsmann Music Group (1985–2004)

Founded| September 9, 1929; 94 years ago (1929-09-09)
Founder| Louis G. Sylvester
Headquarters| 25 Madison Avenue,

New York City

United States

Area served

| Worldwide

Key people

| Rob Stringer (CEO)
Products|

* Music
* Entertainment

Revenue|  US$8.86 billion [1] (FY 2020)

Operating income

|  US$1.74 billion [1] (FY 2020)

Number of employees

| 11,100 (2023[2])
Parent|

Sony Music Group[3]

Divisions| See List of Sony Music Entertainment labels
Website| www.sonymusic.com

Sony Music Entertainment (SME), commonly known as Sony Music, is a Japanese multinational music company owned by Sony Entertainment and managed by the American umbrella division of multinational conglomerate Sony Group Corporation. It is the recording division of the Sony Music Group, with the other half being the publishing division, Sony Music Publishing.[4]

Founded in 1929 as American Record Corporation, it was acquired by the Columbia Broadcasting System in 1938 and renamed Columbia Recording Corporation. In 1966, the company was reorganized to become CBS Records. Sony bought the company in 1991 and renamed it SME. In 2004, Sony and Bertelsmann established a 50–50 joint venture known as Sony BMG to handle the operations of Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), but Sony bought out Bertelsmann's stake four years later and reverted to using the 1991 company name. This buyout led to labels formerly under BMG ownership, including Arista, Jive, LaFace and J Records into former BMG and currently Sony's co-flagship record label, RCA Records, in 2011 and led to the relaunch of BMG as BMG Rights Management. Arista Records would later be revived in 2018.

On July 17, 2019, Sony announced a merger of Sony Music Entertainment and music publishing arm Sony/ATV to form the Sony Music Group.[5] The merger was completed on August 1, 2019.[6][7]

As of 2023[update], Sony Music Entertainment is the second largest of the "Big Three" record companies, behind Universal Music Group and followed by Warner Music Group. Its music publishing division Sony Music Publishing (formerly Sony/ATV) is the largest music publisher in the world.[8][9]

## History

[edit]

### 1929–1938: American Record Corporation

[edit]

Main article: American Record Corporation

The American Record Corporation (ARC) was founded in 1929 through a merger of several record companies.[10] The company grew over the next several years, acquiring other brands such as the Columbia Phonograph Company, including its Okeh Records subsidiary, in 1934.[11]

### 1938–1970: Columbia/CBS Records

[edit]

In 1938, ARC was acquired by the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) under the guidance of chief executive William S. Paley. The company was later renamed Columbia Recording Corporation,[12] and changed again to Columbia Records Inc. in 1947.[13] Edward Wallerstein, who served as the head of Columbia Records since the late 1930s, helped establish the company as a leader in the record industry by spearheading the successful introduction of the LP record.[14] Columbia's success continued through the 1950s with the launch of Epic Records in 1953[15] and Date Records in 1958.[16] By 1962, the Columbia Records productions unit was operating four plants around the United States located in Los Angeles, California; Terre Haute, Indiana; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Pitman, New Jersey.[17]

Columbia's international arm was launched in 1962 under the name "CBS Records", as the company only owned the rights to the Columbia name in North America.[18] In 1964, the company began acquiring record companies in other countries for its CBS Records International unit[19] and established its own UK distribution outfit with the acquisition of Oriole Records.[20]

By 1966, Columbia was renamed CBS Records and was a separate unit of the parent company, CBS-Columbia Group.[21][22] In March 1968, CBS and Sony formed CBS/Sony Records, a Japanese business joint venture.[23]

### 1971–1991: CBS Records Group

[edit]

Main article: CBS Records International

In 1971, CBS Records was expanded into its own "CBS Records Group", with Clive Davis as its administrative vice president and general manager.[24] In the 1980s to the early 1990s, the company managed several successful labels, including CBS Associated Records,[25] which signed artists including Ozzy Osbourne, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Jett, and Henry Lee Summer.[26] In 1983, CBS expanded its music publishing business by acquiring the music publishing arm of MGM/UA Communications Co.[27] CBS later sold the print music arm to Columbia Pictures.[28] By 1987, CBS was the only "big three" American TV network to have a co-owned record company.[29] With Sony being one of the developers behind the compact disc digital music media, a compact disc production plant was constructed in Japan under the joint venture, allowing CBS to begin supplying some of the first compact disc releases for the American market in 1983.[30]

In 1986, CBS sold its music publishing division, CBS Songs, to SBK Entertainment[31] On November 17, 1987, Sony acquired CBS Records for US$2 billion. CBS Inc., now Paramount Global, retained the rights to the CBS name for music recordings but granted Sony a temporary license to use the CBS name.[32] The sale was completed on January 5, 1988.[33] CBS Corporation founded a new CBS Records in 2006, which was distributed by Sony through its RED subsidiary.[34]

In 1989, CBS Records re-entered the music publishing business by acquiring Nashville-based Tree International Publishing.[31]

### 1991–2004: Sony Music Entertainment

[edit]

SME logo used since 1991 to 2004

Sony renamed the record company Sony Music Entertainment (SME) on January 1, 1991, fulfilling the terms set under the 1988 buyout, which granted only a transitional license to the CBS trademark.[35] The CBS Associated label was renamed Epic Associated.[36] Also on January 1, 1991, to replace the CBS label, Sony reintroduced the Columbia label worldwide, which it previously held in the United States and Canada only, after it acquired the international rights to the trademark from EMI in 1990.[35] Japan is the only country where Sony does not have rights to the Columbia name as it is controlled by Nippon Columbia, an unrelated company.[37] Thus, Sony Music Entertainment Japan issues labels under Sony Records. The Columbia Records trademark's rightsholder in Spain was Bertelsmann Music Group, Germany, which Sony Music subsequently subsumed via a 2004 merger, and a subsequent 2008 buyout.[38]

In 1995, Sony and Michael Jackson formed a joint venture which merged Sony's music publishing operations with Jackson's ATV Music to form Sony/ATV Music Publishing.[39]

### 2004–2008: Sony BMG

[edit]

Main article: Sony BMG

BMG logo used since 2002 to 2004

In August 2004, Sony entered a joint venture with an equal partner Bertelsmann, by merging Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group, Germany, to establish Sony BMG Music Entertainment.[40] However, Sony continued to operate its Japanese music business independently from Sony BMG and BMG Japan was made part of the merger.[41]

The merger made Columbia and Epic sister labels to RCA Records, which was once owned by CBS rival, NBC.[42] It also started the process of bringing BMG's Arista Records back under common ownership with its former parent Columbia Pictures, a Sony division since 1989, and brought Arista founder Clive Davis back into the fold.[43] As of 2017, Davis was still with Sony Music as a chief creative officer.[44]

### 2008–present: Sony Music revival and restructuring

[edit]

On August 5, 2008, Sony Corporation of America (SCA) and Bertelsmann announced that Sony had agreed to acquire Bertelsmann's 50% stake in Sony BMG. The acquisition was completed on October 1, 2008.[45] On July 1, 2009, SME and IODA announced a strategic partnership to leverage worldwide online retail distribution networks and complementary technologies to support independent labels and music rights holders.[46][47] In March 2010, Sony Corp partnered with The Michael Jackson Company in a contract of more than $250 million, the largest deal in recorded music history.[48]

From 2009 to 2020, Sony owned 50% of Syco Entertainment, which operates some of the world's most successful reality TV formats, including Got Talent and The X Factor with Simon Cowell. Cowell acquired Sony's stake in 2020.[49]

Doug Morris, who was head of Warner Music Group, and later Universal Music, became chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment on July 1, 2011.[50] Sony Music underwent restructuring upon Morris's arrival; with some artists switching labels and other labels eliminated.[51][52][53][54]

In June 2012, a consortium led by Sony/ATV acquired EMI Music Publishing, making Sony/ATV the world's largest music publisher at the time.[55] This acquisition also reunited the common ownership of pre-1986 CBS Songs (as SBK Songs) catalog to Sony/ATV.

Rob Stringer became CEO of Sony Music Entertainment on April 1, 2017. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Columbia Records.[56]

Sony has experienced many changes with its international labels. In February 2012, Sony Music reportedly closed its Filipino office due to piracy, and Ivory Music and Video had been handling distribution for its catalog a few months earlier in July 2011.[57] In early 2018, their distribution deal with Ivory expired and SME resumed its operations in the Philippines, with the new offices still located in Ortigas Center, Pasig.[58] In July 2013, Sony Music withdrew from the Greek market due to an economic crisis.[59] Albums released by Sony Music in Greece from domestic and foreign artists would then be carried by Feelgood Records.[60]

In June 2017, Sony announced that by March 2018 it would be producing vinyl records internally for the first time since ceasing its production in 1989.[61] Reporting the decision, the BBC noted that, "Sony's move comes a few months after it equipped its Tokyo studio with a cutting lathe, used to produce the master discs needed for manufacturing vinyl records" but added that "Sony is even struggling to find older engineers who know how to make records".[62]

On February 5, 2019, a group of 1970s-era musicians including David Johansen and John Waite filed lawsuits accusing Sony Music Entertainment and UMG Recordings, Inc. of improperly refusing to let them reclaim the rights to songs they had signed away earlier in their careers.[63] The lawsuit cites U.S. copyright law, which gives artists who formerly bargained away their rights on unfavorable terms a chance to reclaim those rights by filing termination notices after 35 years.[64] The plaintiffs claim that Sony and UMG have "routinely and systematically" ignored hundreds of notices, having taken the position that recordings are "works made for hire" and are therefore not subject to being reclaimed.[63]

In April 2021, the Brazilian media company Grupo Globo sold its domestic record label Som Livre to Sony Music for an undisclosed amount.[65] It was approved by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense on November 4, 2021.

In 2022, Sony Music Entertainment acquired boutique branding and merchandising agency, Ceremony of Roses (CoR).[66][67] CoR would handle SME's 'branding, design, media and events'.[67] The newly acquired company would merge with Sony's existing merch division and continue under the CoR banner. The merger brought together artists like Adele, A$AP Rocky, and Lil Nas X under one merchandising house. According to Sony, the move will help expand their merchandising team and take artists' merch to the next level.[68]

In March 2022, the company announced the suspension of activities in Russia. In September 2022, the company announced its complete withdrawal from Russia.

In January 2023, Sony Music and Alamo Records founder Todd Moscowitz launched Santa Anna, an artist and label services company.[69]

In April 2024, it was announced Sony Music Entertainment's Global Podcast Division had acquired the Los Angeles-headquartered podcast production company, Neon Hum Media for an undisclosed amount.[70]

## Sony Music Canada

[edit]

Sony Music Entertainment Canada Incorporated

Founded| 1990
Country of origin| Canada
Location| 99 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Official website| sonymusic.ca

Sony Music Canada was formed when Sony Music acquired Canadian assets of CBS Records in 1990 (itself formerly Columbia Records Canada in 1954).[71]

Sony Music Canada is separate from Sony Canada, which evolved General Distributiors or Genis c. 1954 with head offices in Winnipeg and under Albert D. Cohen to market transistor radios.[72] Gendis retained a stake in Sony Canada until 1995.

Sony Music Canada offices were originally at CBS Records Canada offices at 1121 Leslie Street since 1960 when it was still Columbia Records.

Celine Dion and the late Leonard Cohen are one of many Canadian artist under this unit. Denise Donlon, formerly host at MuchMusic and later head of CBC Radio English unit, was President from 2000 to 2004.

## Sony Music UK

[edit]

Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited

Founded| January 4, 1980; 44 years ago (1980-01-04)
Country of origin| United Kingdom
Location| 2 Canal Reach, London, UK
Official website| sonymusic.co.uk

Sony Music UK is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment in the United Kingdom. Since 2014, Jason Iley has been chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK.[73] Though owned by Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music UK has standalone operations in the UK to promote musicians within the UK.[74]

In June 2017, it was announced that Sony would be merging its two independent distribution companies The Orchard and Red Essential.[75]

In 2014, Sony had its best singles success of 33 years, with 11 number 1 singles. Sony Music artists won a total of five individual awards at the BRITs 2015, including Best Female Solo Artist for Paloma Faith, and Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk", which picked up Best British Single. Several other of the label's artists – Foo Fighters, One Direction and Pharrell Williams – also collected awards.[76][77]

Sony's performance at the BRITs 2015 was the label's best in nearly 20 years, winning a total of 5 awards. In 2017, Sony Music UK celebrated the most successful BRIT Awards in the company's history, winning seven of the 11 awards.[78]

Sony Music UK has made key acquisitions including forming Insanity Records with Insanity Management. Craig David became the first artist to sign an album deal with Insanity Records. Sony Music UK signed Robbie Williams, who released his 11th album The Heavy Entertainment Show in 2016. Jason Iley commented that the agreement was "a once in a lifetime signing with the biggest male solo artist of our generation".[79][80]

Sony Music UK incorporated the independent sales and distribution company Essential Music and Marketing – renamed to Red Essential. In August 2016, Sony Music acquired Ministry of Sound Recordings, home to London Grammar, DJ Fresh and Sigala.[81][82]

On April 5, 2017, two of Sony Music UK's labels won awards at the annual Music Week Awards. Columbia Records was awarded A&R of the Year, and Syco was awarded Record Company of the Year.[83]

In 2021, Sony agreed to buy Kobalt neighboring rights division and independent distribution company AWAL, from the Kobalt Music Group for $430 million.[84]

The UK media company Somethin' Else was acquired outright by Sony Music in 2021, to form a podcast division.[85][86][87]

## Sony Music Russia

[edit]

Sony Music Entertainment, LLC

Trade name

| Sony Music Russia

Native name

| Сони Мьюзик Энтертейнмент

Romanized name

| Soni Myuzik Enterteynment
Industry| Music recording
Founded| 1999; 25 years ago (1999)
Defunct| March 10, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-03-10)
Fate| Dissolved
Headquarters|

Moscow

Area served

| Russia

Key people

| Arina Dmitrieva (CEO)[88]
Revenue| US$42.7 million (FY 2021)[88]

Operating income

| US$2.22 million (FY 2021)[88]
Owner| Sony

Number of employees

| 40-50 (2022)[89]
Parent| SBME Holdings B.V.[88]
Website| Official website (archived)

Sony Music Entertainment Russia was the Russian music label of Sony Music Entertainment. The company opened its division in the Russian Federation in 1999.[88] In 2000, the first contract was signed with the Russian group Bi-2.[citation needed] For 2021, experts estimated the company's share in the Russian recording market at approximately 15-20%. Sony Music Entertainment LLC's revenue in 2021 amounted to 2.56 billion rubles ($42.7 million). Net profit amounted to 132.9 million rubles ($2.22 million).[88]

On March 10, 2022, in connection with Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sony Music Entertainment announced the suspension of operations and new releases in Russia, while Russian employees of Sony Music Group receive pay indefinitely.[90][91] On September 8, Sony Music officially announced its final withdrawal from Russia. The company recalled all foreign catalogs from the Russian streaming services Yandex Music, Zvooq and VK Music, and tracks from AC/DC, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Bring Me the Horizon and many other artists were removed. The Russian division is intended as a completely independent structure from Sony Music to represent only local musicians under the new brand Kiss Koala,[88][92] which was later bought by the structures of former top managers of Warner Music Russia,[93] and renamed Koala Music.

## Criticism and controversies

[edit]

### CD price fixing

[edit]

Main article: CD price fixing

Between 1995 and 2000, music companies were found to have used illegal marketing agreements such as minimum advertised pricing to artificially inflate prices of compact discs. This was done in order to end price wars of the early 1990s among discounters such as Best Buy and Target.[94] A settlement was reached in 2002 that included music publishers and distributors Sony Music, Warner Music, Bertelsmann Music Group, EMI Music and Universal Music. In restitution for price fixing, they agreed to pay a $67.4 million fine and distribute $75.7 million in CDs to public and non-profit groups but admitted no wrongdoing.[95] It is estimated that customers were overcharged by nearly $500 million overall and up to $5 per album.[94]

### George Michael

[edit]

Main article: Panayiotou v Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd.

British artist George Michael, signed to Columbia in the U.S. and Epic worldwide, advised Sony executives in 1990 that he would not be appearing in music videos to support his forthcoming album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Michael then accused Sony of not promoting the album at all. He sued in the UK in 1992, asking to be released from his contract. Sony ultimately prevailed in the courts in 1994, but Michael's contract was bought out by other labels. Some 11 years later, Michael licensed tracks to Sony for release.[96]

### Michael Jackson and Tommy Mottola

[edit]

The release of Invincible was preceded by a dispute between Michael Jackson and Sony Music Entertainment. Jackson had expected the licenses to the masters of his albums to revert to him sometime in the early 2000s, after which he would be able to promote the material however he pleased and keep the profits; however, clauses in the contract set the revert date years into the future. Jackson discovered that the attorney who had represented him in the deal had also been representing Sony.[97] He was also concerned that for years Sony had been pressuring him to sell his share in its music catalog venture; he feared that Sony might have had a conflict of interest, since if Jackson's career failed, he would have had to sell his share of the catalog at a low price.[98] Jackson sought an early exit from his contract.[97]

In July 2002, Jackson alleged that the then-Sony Music chairman Tommy Mottola was a "devil" and "racist" who did not support his African-American artists, using them merely for his own gain.[98] He charged that Mottola had called his colleague Irv Gotti a "fat nigger".[99] Sony refused to renew Jackson's contract, and claimed that a $25 million promotional campaign had failed because Jackson refused to tour in the United States.[100]

### Prosecution of copyright infringement

[edit]

In May 2012, Sony Music filed charges against the website IsoHunt.[101] The plaintiff's claims in the court document filed at the Supreme Court of British Columbia read: "The IsoHunt Websites have been designed and are operated by the defendants with the sole purpose of profiting from rampant copyright infringement which defendants actively encourage, promote, authorize, induce, aid, abet, materially contribute to and commercially profit from."[102] In February 2016, in a lawsuit filed at a California federal court, Sony Music Entertainment and its associated brands (Arista Records and LaFace Records, formerly owned by Bertelsmann Music Group) accused Belgian radio aggregator Radionomy (owned by Universal Music Group's parent Vivendi) of copyright infringement.[103]

### Kesha v. Dr. Luke and 2016 boycott

[edit]

Main article: Kesha v. Dr. Luke

In February 2016, 100,000 people signed an online petition in less than 24 hours, calling for a boycott of Sony Music and all other Sony-affiliated businesses after rape allegations against music producer Dr. Luke were made by musical artist Kesha. Kesha asked a New York City Supreme Court to free her from her contract with Sony Music, but the court denied the request, prompting a widespread public and media response.[104]

## List of Sony Music Entertainment labels

[edit]

This section may contain unverified or indiscriminate information in embedded lists. Please help clean up the lists by removing items or incorporating them into the text of the article. (October 2023)

|

Main article: List of Sony Music labels

### Flagship record labels

[edit]

* Columbia Records
* RCA Records
* Epic Records
* Arista Records

### Genre-limited record labels

[edit]

Country music

* Sony Music Nashville
* Columbia Nashville
* Arista Nashville
* RCA Records Nashville

Dance/electronic music

* Epic Amsterdam[105]
* Stmpd Rcrds (co-distribution with Universal Music Group)
* EEM Records
* Ultra Records
* Ministry of Sound[106]
* Liquid State (joint-venture)[107]

Christian/gospel music

* Provident Label Group
* RCA Inspiration
* Kingdom Life Records
* DeJountae Records

Latin

* Sony Music Latin

Classical/jazz music

* Sony Masterworks
* Sony Classical Records
* Milan Records
* Portrait Records
* RCA Red Seal Records
* Okeh Records
* Flying Buddha
* Masterworks Broadway

Blues music

* Blind Pig Records

Pop music

* Disruptor Records

Rock music

* Another Century Records

Metal music

* Century Media Records
* Music for Nations

Progressive music

* Inside Out Music

### Others

[edit]

Sony Music UK[108][109]

* Columbia Records UK[110]
* Relentless Records
* 5K Records[111]
* Black Butter Records (joint-venture)[112]
* Dream Life Records[113]
* Insanity Records (joint-venture)[114]
* Magic Star[115]
* Robots + Humans[116]
* Since '93[117]
* Sony Music Nashville UK[118]
* WEAREBLK (joint-venture)[119]
* District 18 Entertainment (joint-venture)

Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd.

* Sony Music India
* Sony Music South

Distributed labels

* Equal Vision Records
* Megaforce Records
* Metal Blade Records
* Rimas Entertainment
* Robbins Entertainment
* Shrapnel Records
* Third Man Records
* Thirty Tigers
* ABC Music
* Big Brother Recordings
* Heist or Hit Records
* Mello Music Group
* Babygrande Records

Catalog

* Legacy Recordings
* Follow That Dream Records
* Louder Than Life Records

International

* Ariola Records Intl.
* Defstar Records Intl.
* Relentless Records
* Som Livre

Independent music distribution

* The Orchard
* IODA
* AWAL

### Previously affiliated labels

[edit]

* 19 Recordings (2001–2010) (previously through BMG and RCA Music Group, now distributed by BMG Rights Management)
* Def Jam Recordings (1985–1994) (previously through Columbia Records, now part of Universal Music Group)
* Loud Records (1992–2002) (previously through Zoo Entertainment, then RCA Records, and later Columbia Records, now a new company called SRC Records through Universal Music Group)
* Chaos Recordings Brasil (1993–2000) (previously part of Columbia Records, now dissolved)
* The Work Group (1993–2000) (previously through Epic Records, now dissolved)
* Date Records (1958–1970) (previously through Columbia Records, now dissolved)
* Aware Records (1997–2010) (now part of Universal Music Group through Republic Records)
* PiperWorld Entertainment (2008–2013) (previously through Columbia Records)
* Roc Nation (2009–2013) (previously through Columbia Records; now distributed by Universal Music Group)[120]
* Nick Records (1993–2010) (previously through Sony Music, now dissolved)
* The Echo Label (2013–2017) (owned by BMG Chrysalis; now distributed by Warner Music Group)
* Volcano Entertainment (1996–2019) (previously through Zomba Label Group and later RCA Records, now dissolved)
* RED Music (1979–2017) (now dissolved)
* Syco Music (2002–2020) (previously through Sony Music UK, now dissolved)

## See also

[edit]

* Music portal
* Companies portal

* List of Sony Music artists
* Sony Music Publishing
* Sony BMG
* Sony BMG copy protection rootkit scandal
* Sony Music Entertainment Japan
* Sony Music Australia
* Sony Music UK
* Sony Music India
* Tero Entertainment
* Lists of record labels

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b FY 2020 revenue & operating income: "Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2021" (PDF). Tokyo, Japan: Sony. April 28, 2021. p. 18\. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
2. ^ "Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023". SEC.gov. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
3. ^ "Michael Lynton Named Ceo Of Sony Corporation Of America; Nicole Seligman To Become SCA President" (Press release). Sony Pictures. March 30, 2012. Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
4. ^ Wang, Amy X. (July 17, 2019). "Sony's Music Recording and Music Publishing Companies Are Now One". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2019. "As part of Sony's business goals to increase collaborations across its entertainment units, be closer to creators and unlock more strategic opportunities, I'd like to inform you that effective August 1, we are bringing together Sony's recorded music and music publishing businesses outside of Japan to create a new Sony Music Group."
5. ^ Christman, Ed (July 17, 2019). "Sony Corp. Restructures Music Division, Brings Recorded Music, Sony/ATV Publishing Together Under Rob Stringer". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
6. ^ Stassen, Murray (July 17, 2019). "Rob Stringer to run new Sony Music Group, housing publishing and records, from August 1". Music Business Worldwide. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved August 30, 2019. "Effective August 1, Sony Corporation is bringing together its recorded music and music publishing businesses outside of Japan to form Sony Music Group."
7. ^ Aswad, Jem (July 17, 2019). "Sony Unites Recorded Music and Publishing Under One Company". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved August 30, 2019. "The move will take effect on Aug. 1."
8. ^ Yamazaki, Makiko (May 21, 2018). "Sony in US$2.3 billion deal, becomes the world's biggest music publisher". Reuters. Thomson Reuters. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
9. ^ Halperin, Shirley; Aswad, Jem (May 21, 2018). "Sony to Buy Additional 60% Stake in EMI Music Publishing for $2.3 Billion". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
10. ^ Wald, Elijah (2002). Josh White: Society Blues. Routledge Chapman & Hall. p. 28\. ISBN 978-0-415-94204-1. Archived from the original on August 30, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
11. ^ Tschmuck, Peter (March 14, 2012). Creativity and Innovation in the Music Industry. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 70\. ISBN 978-3-6422-8429-8. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
12. ^ White, Raymond E. (July 1, 2006). King of the Cowboys, Queen of the West: Roy Rogers And Dale Evans. Popular Press. p. 51\. ISBN 978-0-299-21004-5. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
13. ^ "Columbia Records paperwork collection". Library of Congress. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
14. ^ "Wallerstein Up To Top As Col Boosts White". Billboard. January 3, 1948. p. 17\. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
15. ^ "Columbia's Epic to Bow with Classic, Pop Line". Billboard. September 19, 1953. p. 14\. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
16. ^ "Date (N.Y.)". Rockin' Country Style. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2009.
17. ^ "Who Else Has Four Big Plants? (advertisement)". Billboard. June 30, 1962. p. 15\. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
18. ^ "For Information About The Sound Heard 'Round The World, See the CBS International Section (Advertisement)". Billboard. March 16, 1963. p. 40. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
19. ^ Zhito, Lee (May 16, 1964). "CBS Banner Pays Off For Columbia Label". Billboard. p. 1\. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
20. ^ de Vekey, Andre (October 3, 1964). "It's Official CBS-Oriole Deal". Billboard. p. 3\. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
21. ^ "Leiberson to Helm Group; Other Changes Made in the CBS Guard". Billboard. June 18, 1966. p. 10\. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2015. "CBS Records, under [Clive] Davis who had been administrative vice-president of Columbia Records, will continue to produce and market the Columbia, Epic, Harmony, Date, and Okeh record lines and the Columbia Legacy Collection. ..."
22. ^ "Lieberson Heads New C.B.S. Group. Put in Charge of Activities Outside Broadcasting". The New York Times. June 10, 1966. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved August 25, 2012. "Goddard Lieberson, one of the more prominent figures in the phonograph recording industry, has been named the president of the C.B.S./Columbia Group, a new unit of the Columbia Broadcasting System for expanded activities in education and music. The unit is part of the company's long-range plans to achieve greater diversification outside the field of broadcasting."
23. ^ "CBS/Sony Records is Established in First Round of Capital Deregulation". Sony History. Archived from the original on February 16, 2009.
24. ^ "CBS Restructures; Davis Role Widened". Billboard. July 24, 1971. p. 3\. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on August 20, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
25. ^ Zuckerman, Faye (July 21, 1984). "Music Monitor". Billboard. p. 31\. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
26. ^ "Pop Albums". Billboard. December 27, 1986. pp. 7–8. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
27. ^ Lichtman, Irv (January 8, 1983). "CBS Songs Grows With MGM/UA Deal". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2019 - via Google Books.
28. ^ Lichtman, Irv (February 12, 1983). "Columbia Pictures To Acquire Big 3". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2019 - via Google Books.
29. ^ Lannert, John (January 16, 1999). "Will Sales Surpass 16 Million in '99?". Billboard. p. 40. Retrieved January 2, 2021. "...as combined sales of BMG's Ariola and RCA imprints..."
30. ^ "CBS/Sony Inc". The New York Times. December 8, 1982. p. D4. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2009.
31. ^ a b Pareles, Jon (January 4, 1989). "CBS Records to Buy Tree, Ending an Era in Nashville". The New York Times. p. D1. Archived from the original on September 1, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021. "CBS Songs, the record company's publishing arm, was sold in 1986 for $125 million to Stephen Swid, Martin Bandier and Charles Koppelman, who renamed it SBK Entertainment. It is now the second-largest music publishing company."
32. ^ "Sony History Chapter22 CBS/Sony Records is Established in First Round of Capital Deregulation". Sony Global. Archived from the original on May 7, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
33. ^ "Sony completes $2 billion purchase of CBS Records". United Press International. January 5, 1988. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
34. ^ "Labels". RED Music. Archived from the original on June 19, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
35. ^ a b "CBS Records Changes Name". Reuters. October 16, 1990. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
36. ^ "Epic Records:The vanishing label to-be?". Steve Hoffman Music Forums. May 9, 2008. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
37. ^ "Vol.15 : CBS/Sony Records Inc. Established in 1968". Sony Time Capsule. Archived from the original on June 24, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
38. ^ Llewellyn, Howell (May 27, 2000). "The Spanish Star Shines". Billboard. p. 76. Retrieved January 2, 2021. "When Sony bought CBS, Spain had to keep the name Sony CBS instead of Sony Columbia, until Sony bought the rights to the name Columbia from BMG Spain."
39. ^ "Michael Jackson And Sony Enter Joint Publishing Venture Valued At $600 Million". Jet. 89 (3): 36–37. November 27, 1995. ISSN 0021-5996. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
40. ^ Kaplan, David. "Sony Buys Bertelsmann's 50% Stake In Sony BMG For $1.2B". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
41. ^ "Acquisition of Shares in BMG Japan Inc. by Sony Music Entertainment Japan Inc. for Sony" (PDF) (Press release). Sony Music Entertainment Japan. October 2, 2008. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
42. ^ "Sale Talk For RCA Records". The New York Times. September 6, 1986. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
43. ^ "Clive Davis". Biography. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
44. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (March 1, 2013). "At 80, no break planned for music exec Clive Davis". Yahoo! Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
45. ^ Nakashima, Ryan (October 14, 2008). "Sony BMG split-up gives Sony more options". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 18, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
46. ^ "Sony Music Entertainment and IODA announce strategic partnership" (Press release). Sony Music Entertainment. July 1, 2009. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010.
47. ^ Adegoke, Yinka (July 1, 2009). "Sony Music, IODA Create Digital Network". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 7, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2009.
48. ^ Kreps, Daniel (March 16, 2010). "Michael Jackson Estate, Sony Strike Massive $250 Million Deal to Release King of Pop's Music". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
49. ^ Daniels, Karu F. (July 16, 2020). "Simon Cowell acquires Sony Music's stake and retains full control of 'Got Talent' and 'X-Factor'". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
50. ^ Smith, Ethan (March 3, 2011). "Sony Music Recruits CEO". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
51. ^ "L.A. Reid to Run Restructured Epic Records". Billboard. June 15, 2011. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
52. ^ "L.A. Reid Officially Named Chairman & CEO of Epic Records". The Hollywood Reporter. July 18, 2011. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
53. ^ Halpern, Shirley (October 7, 2011). "RCA Records' Peter Edge and Tom Corson on Why the Label Downsized and its Place in Sony's Big Picture (Q&A)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
54. ^ Christman, Ed (August 24, 2011). "RCA's New Executive Team Named; Layoffs Expected". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 6, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
55. ^ Lieberman, David (June 29, 2012). "EMI Acquisition Makes Sony/ATV Top Music Publisher". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
56. ^ "Columbia's Rob Stringer Named CEO of Sony Music". The Hollywood Reporter. October 18, 2016. Archived from the original on November 28, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
57. ^ "Sony Music succumbs to piracy, closes Philippine office". InterAksyon. Archived from the original on June 14, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
58. ^ Liwanag, Punch. "Audio Junkie: Sony Music opens shop anew in PH". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
59. ^ "Κλείνει η ιστορική δισκογραφική Sony Music Greece" [The historical record label Sony Music Greece closes]. iNews (in Greek). June 27, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
60. ^ "Feelgood Records (2)". Discogs. Archived from the original on July 24, 2015. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
61. ^ "Sony Music goes back to vinyl records". BBC News. June 29, 2017. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
62. ^ "Sony Music goes back to vinyl records". BBC News Online. June 29, 2017. Archived from the original on June 29, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
63. ^ a b Stempel, Jonathan (February 5, 2019). "1970s-era musicians sue Sony, UMG to reclaim song rights". CNBC. Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
64. ^ "1970s-era musicians sue Sony, UMG to reclaim song rights". Reuters. February 6, 2019. Archived from the original on February 6, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
65. ^ "Sony Music Entertainment to Acquire Brazilian Independent Music Company Som Livre – Sony Music". Sony Music Entertainment. April 1, 2021. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
66. ^ "Meet Sony Music's new global merch arm: Ceremony of Roses". Music Business Worldwide. January 19, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
67. ^ a b "Sony Music buys Ceremony of Roses as new merch arm". Music Africa. January 25, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
68. ^ Fowler, Andrea (January 19, 2022). "Sony Music Entertainment Launches New Global Merchandising Venture Through Strategic Investment in Leading Boutique Company Ceremony of Roses – Sony Music". Sony Music Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
69. ^ Aswad, Jem (January 9, 2023). "Sony Music and Alamo Records CEO Todd Moscowitz Launch Santa Anna, New Artist and Label Services Company". Variety. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
70. ^ "Sony Music strengthens podcast game with acquisition of Neon Hum Media". Music Business Worldwide. April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
71. ^ "Sony Music Entertainment Inc". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca.
72. ^ "Sony.ca History".
73. ^ "Jason Iley Named CEO Of Sony Music U.K." Billboard. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
74. ^ Trakin, Roy (April 4, 2014). "Jason Iley Tapped as Head Of Sony Music U.K." The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 6, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
75. ^ "Sony merges The Orchard and Red Essential in UK market". Music Business Worldwide. June 1, 2017. Archived from the original on June 6, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
76. ^ "Brit Awards 2014: the winners in full". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
77. ^ "BRIT Awards 2015 Winners List – Full List Of This Year's Awards". Capital. Archived from the original on April 2, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
78. ^ "Sony Music triumphs with its most successful BRIT Awards ever". Sony Music UK. February 23, 2017. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
79. ^ "Insanity Records". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
80. ^ "Robbie Williams signs to Sony Music". Music Week. May 8, 2016. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
81. ^ "Universal and Sony neck-and-neck in US video streaming market share – as Tunecore leads the Indies". Music Business Worldwide. January 10, 2017. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
82. ^ "Why has Universal lost market share this year?". Music Business Worldwide. November 21, 2016. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
83. ^ "2017 Music Week Awards: And the winners are..." Music Week. Archived from the original on April 11, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
84. ^ "Not for Sale: After Unloading AWAL, Kobalt Says It's Off the Block". Billboard. February 2, 2021. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
85. ^ "Somethin' else and Sony Music launch podcast partnership". Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
86. ^ "Sony acquires Somethin' else to expand global podcast division". June 16, 2021. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
87. ^ "Somethin' else appoints Head of Branded Podcasts for the UK". January 10, 2022. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
88. ^ a b c d e f g "От Sony Music останется "Коала"". Kommersant (in Russian). September 8, 2022. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
89. ^ "Sony Music полностью уходит из России". iXBT.com (in Russian). September 8, 2022. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
90. ^ "Sony Music Group и Warner Music Group приостанавливают деятельность в России". Kommersant. March 10, 2022. Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
91. ^ "Вслед за Universal, из России уходит лейбл Sony Music. Warner выжидает". Fontanka.ru (in Russian). March 10, 2022. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
92. ^ "Sony Music объявила об окончательном уходе из России". Коммерсантъ (in Russian). September 8, 2022. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
93. ^ "Укрупненная музыкальная форма". Коммерсантъ (in Russian). January 17, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
94. ^ a b Labaton, Stephen (May 11, 2000). "5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case On CD Price-Fixing". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
95. ^ Lieberman, David (September 30, 2002). "5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case On CD Price-Fixing". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
96. ^ Coulthard, Alan (September 1995). "George Michael v Sony Music-A Challenge to Artistic Freedom?". The Modern Law Review. 58 (5): 731–744. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2230.1995.tb02047.x. ISSN 0026-7961.
97. ^ a b Taraborrelli, J. Randy (July 15, 2009). Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story 1958–2009. Grand Central. pp. 610–611. ISBN 978-0-4465-6568-4. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
98. ^ a b Taraborrelli, 2009, pp. 614–7.
99. ^ Jermaine Jackson; Connie Chung (December 31, 2002). "Interview with Jermaine Jackson". Connie Chung Tonight. CNN. Archived from the original on November 5, 2015. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
100. ^ Burkeman, Oliver (July 7, 2002). "Jackon gets tough: but is he a race crusader or just a falling star?". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on July 2, 2015. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
101. ^ Van der Sar, Ernesto (February 29, 2012). "Record Labels Threaten the Open Internet, isoHunt Tells Court". TorrentFreak. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
102. ^ "Isohunt-scbc". Scribd.com. February 29, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved February 28, 2013.
103. ^ "Sony Music sues Universal sister company Radionomy". Music Business Worldwide. March 2, 2016. Archived from the original on May 3, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
104. ^ "Over 100,000 Kesha supporters call for Sony Music boycott after judge rules she must honor contract despite Dr. Luke rape allegations". New York Daily News. February 20, 2016. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
105. ^ "Epic Amsterdam". Archived from the original on November 3, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2017.
106. ^ Smirke, Richard (August 10, 2016). "Sony Music UK Acquires Ministry of Sound". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 22, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
107. ^ Schultz, Rob (January 31, 2018). "Sony Music & Tencent Launch Dance Music Label Liquid State". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
108. ^ "Sony Music UK | Official Website". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
109. ^ "Sony Music UK | Labels & Partners". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
110. ^ "Sony Music UK – Columbia Records". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
111. ^ "Sony Music UK | 5K Records". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
112. ^ "Sony Music UK | Black Butter". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on March 29, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
113. ^ "Sony Music UK | Dream Life Records". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
114. ^ "Sony Music UK | Insanity Records". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
115. ^ "Sony Music UK | Magic Star". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
116. ^ "Sony Music UK | Robots + Humans". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
117. ^ "Sony Music UK | Since '93". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
118. ^ "Sony Music UK | Sony Music Nashville". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
119. ^ "Sony Music UK | WEAREBLK". Sony Music UK. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
120. ^ Sisari, Ben (April 8, 2013). "Jay-Z's Entertainment Company Makes Music Deal With Universal". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 13, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Yahoo! – Sony Music Entertainment Company Profile via Yahoo! Business
* Sony Music's channel on YouTube
* Sony Music TV
* Sony Music publishing catalog at MusicBrainz

* v
* t
* e

Sony Music Entertainment

Key personnel|

* Rob Stringer
* Kevin Kelleher

Flagship|

* Columbia Records
* RCA Records
* Epic Records
* Arista Records

Nashville|

* Columbia Nashville
* Arista Nashville
* RCA Records Nashville
* Provident Label Group

Sony Masterworks|

* Sony Classical Records
* Deutsche Harmonia Mundi
* Portrait Records
* Milan Records
* RCA Red Seal Records
* Okeh Records

UK|

* Black Butter Records
* Syco Music (50%)
* Relentless Records
* Ministry of Sound

Japan|

* Epic Records Japan
* Kioon Music
* Ariola Japan
* mora
* Sacra Music
* Aniplex
* Aniplex of America
* A-1 Pictures
* CloverWorks
* Crunchyroll LLC (co-owned with Sony Pictures)
* Crunchyroll
* Crunchyroll EMEA
* Crunchyroll SAS
* Crunchyroll SA
* Crunchyroll GmbH
* Crunchyroll Films
* Crunchyroll Studios
* Crunchyroll Games LLC
* Crunchyroll UK and Ireland
* Crunchyroll Store Australia
* Music On! TV
* Peanuts Worldwide (39%)
* The First Take

Distribution|

* AWAL
* The Orchard
* IODA
* RED Music
* Red Essential
* TVT Records

Other labels|

* Som Livre
* RCA Inspiration
* Phonogenic Records
* Ultra Records
* Century Media Records
* Legacy Recordings
* Kemosabe Records
* Dischi Ricordi
* Robbins Entertainment
* Somethin' Else
* Sony Music Publishing
* Sony Music Australia
* Sony Music Mexico
* Sony Music India
* Sony Music South
* Sony Music Latin
* Sony Music Philippines
* Vevo
* Volcano Entertainment

* v
* t
* e

Sony

History

Founders|

* Masaru Ibuka
* Akio Morita

Primary businesses|

* Sony Corporation
* Sony Semiconductor Solutions
* Sony Entertainment
* Sony Music Group
* Entertainment
* Publishing
* Sony Pictures
* Sony Financial Group
* Sony Life
* Sony Bank
* Sony Interactive Entertainment
* PlayStation
* Sony Music Entertainment Japan
* Aniplex

Technologies
and brands|

* α (Alpha)
* Betacam
* Bionz
* Blu-ray
* Bravia
* CD
* Cell
* Cyber-shot
* Dash
* Dream Machine
* DVD
* Exmor
* FeliCa
* Handycam
* HDCAM/HDCAM-SR
* HMZ-T1
* Inzone
* LocationFree
* Memory Stick
* MiniDisc
* MiniDV
* MicroMV
* mylo
* PlayNow
* PlayStation
* Reader
* S/PDIF
* SDDS
* 8 channel films
* Sony Entertainment Network
* SXRD
* Sony Tablet
* Tunnel diode
* TransferJet
* UMD
* Vaio
* Video8/Hi8/Digital8
* Vision-S
* Walkman
* XDCAM
* Xperia

Historical products|

* AIBO
* CV-2000
* DAT
* Betamax
* Sony CLIÉ
* Discman
* Jumbotron
* Lissa
* Mavica
* NEWS
* Optiarc
* Qualia
* Rolly
* TR-55
* Trinitron
* FD series
* 1 inch Type C
* U-matic
* Vaio
* Watchman
* WEGA

Electronics|

* Sony Creative Software
* FeliCa Networks (57%)

Online distribution
platforms|

* PlayStation Network
* PlayStation Now
* PlayStation Store
* Sony Pictures Core
* SonyLIV
* Crunchyroll
* Great American Pure Flix (joint venture with Great American Media)

| Former/Defunct|

* PlayNow
* PlayStation Video
* PlayStation Vue
* Anime Digital Network
* Anime on Demand
* AnimeLab
* Funimation
* Wakanim
* VRV
* Sony Entertainment Network
* Crackle
* Minisodes

|

Other businesses|

* Sony DADC
* Sony Network Communications
* Sony Professional Solutions
* Sony Honda Mobility (50%)
* M3 (39.4%)
* Vaio (4.9%)

Other assets|

* Sony Corporation of America (umbrella company in the US)
* Other subsidiaries
* List of acquisitions
* List of libraries

Nonprofit organizations|

* Sony Institute of Higher Education Shohoku College

Other|

* Sony Toshiba IBM Center of Competence for the Cell Processor
* Sony timer

* v
* t
* e

Music industry

Major companies
and organizations|

| Representatives|

* ARIA
* BVMI
* BPI
* Music Canada
* FIMI
* IFPI (worldwide)
* PMB
* PROMUSICAE
* RIAA
* SNEP

|

Publishers|

* BMG Rights Management
* Sony Music Publishing
* Universal Music Publishing Group
* Warner Chappell Music

Record labels|

* Major: Sony
* Universal
* Warner
* Independent: Concord
* Independent UK record labels
* AAMG

Retailers|

* Amazon
* Digital music stores (iTunes Store)
* Fnac
* HMV
* Kaspien
* Virgin Megastores

Live music|

* CTS Eventim
* Live Nation
* LiveStyle
* Ticketmaster

Major genres|

* Blues
* Country
* Easy listening
* Electronic
* Experimental
* Folk
* Gospel
* Hip hop
* Jazz
* Latin
* Metal
* New Age
* Pop
* Reggae
* Rhythm and blues
* Rock
* World

Sectors
and roles|

* Album cover design
* Artists and repertoire (A&R)
* Disc jockey
* Distribution
* Entertainment law
* Music education
* Music executive
* Music and fashion
* Music journalism
* Music publisher
* Music store
* Music venue
* Musical instruments
* Professional audio store
* Promotion
* Radio promotion
* Record label
* Record shop
* Road crew
* Talent manager
* Tour promoter

| Production|

* Arrangement
* Songwriter
* Composer
* Lyricist
* Conductor
* Disc jockey
* Hip hop producer
* Horn section
* Record producer
* Rhythm section
* Orchestrator
* Session musician
* Backup singer
* Ghost singer
* Vocal coach
* Ghostwriter
* Sound engineer

|

Release
formats|

* Single (Extended play (EP), 12" single, Cassette single, CD single, Maxi single)
* Album
* Double album, Mixtape
* Music video
* Promotional recording
* Phonograph record
* Eight-track
* Compact cassette
* CD
* DVD
* Airplay
* Music download
* Music streaming service

Live shows|

* Concert
* Concert tour
* Concert residency
* Music festival
* Music competition

Charts|

* ARIA Charts
* Billboard Hot 100
* Billboard Argentina Hot 100
* Billboard Brasil Hot 100
* Canadian Hot 100
* Circle Chart
* G-Music chart
* Irish Singles Chart
* Italian singles chart
* GfK Entertainment charts
* Entertainment Monitoring Africa
* Oricon charts
* New Zealand singles chart
* Rolling Stone Top 100
* Sino Chart
* SNEP singles chart
* Sverigetopplistan
* UK singles chart

Publications|

* Billboard
* HitQuarters
* Hot Press
* Kerrang!
* Mojo
* Musica e dischi
* NME
* Q
* Rolling Stone
* Smash Hits
* Top of the Pops

Television|

| Channels|

* Channel V
* CMT
* Fuse
* Mnet
* MTV
* MTV2
* Tr3s
* MuchMusic
* The Music Factory
* Viva
* VH1
* The Country Network

|

Series|

* Idol franchise
* Popstars
* Star Academy
* The Four
* The Voice
* The X Factor
* Rising Star

Achievements|

* Music award
* Best-selling music artists
* In: Brazil
* Finland
* Germany
* Japan
* United Kingdom (Females)
* United States
* Genre:
* Latin
* Nationality:
* Belgian
* Brazilian
* British
* Italian
* Swedish
* Best-selling albums
* by country
* Best-selling singles
* by country
* Highest-paid musicians
* Highest-grossing live music artists
* Highest-grossing concert tours
* by women
* Latin
* Most-attended concert tours
* Most-attended concerts
* Global Recording Artist of the Year
* Wealthiest musical artists

Other|

* Album era
* Album-equivalent unit
* A-side and B-side
* Backmasking
* Bootleg recording
* Christian music industry
* Environmental impact
* Hidden track
* Largest music deals
* Largest recorded music markets
* Most expensive albums
* Most valuable records
* Music certification
* Parental Advisory
* Record sales
* Surprise album
* White label

* Record production portal
* Category

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* France
* BnF data

Other|

* MusicBrainz label

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template