Constellation Records (Solar)

Constellation Records
Parent companyUnidisc Music
Founded1981 (1981)
FounderDick Griffey
Defunct1987 (1987)
StatusDefunct
Distributor(s)Elektra Records (1981 - 1984)
MCA Records (1984 - 1987)
GenreSoul
Post-disco
R&B
Country of originUnited States
LocationLos Angeles, California

Constellation Records was an American label of SOLAR Records, and then MCA Records.[1]

History

In 1981, Constellation was founded by Dick Griffey, as an attempt to introduce more contemporary acts to Griffey's more traditionally "urban" establishment which was already being distributed through Elektra/Asylum Records.[2][3]

In 1984, Dick Griffey moved the Constellation label over to MCA Records for distribution, deciding to abandon contemporary music and continue the SOLAR tradition. It was a move that finally brought recognition to the label. Among the acts who shifted to the label were veteran Soul Train/SOLAR first lady Carrie Lucas (who eventually married Griffey) and Klymaxx.[4]

In 1987, Constellation was folded into MCA, when the artists (including Klymaxx) were transferred to MCA. Universal Music Group owned all of its post-1984 back catalog. On the other hand, EMI (which acquired SOLAR's back catalog after its closure in 1995) owned all of its pre-1984 back catalog. Unidisc Music currently owns most of SOLAR's (including Constellation) back catalog.

Notable artists

References

  1. ^ "Black Music Month: Dick Griffey & SOLAR Records". Los Angeles Sentinel. 24 June 2010. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  2. ^ Green, Paul (September 18, 1982). "SOLAR to Debut Pop Subsidiary". Billboard. Vol. 94, no. 37. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 72. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Maultsby, Portia; Burnim, Mellonee (October 26, 2016). Issues in African American Music: Power, Gender, Race, Representation. Taylor & Francis. p. 166. ISBN 9781315472089. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Hunt, Darnell; Ramon, Ana-Christina (May 1, 2010). Black Los Angeles: American Dreams and Racial Realities. NYU Press. p. 276. ISBN 9780814773062. Retrieved December 18, 2018 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Bill Wolfer | Credits".
  6. ^ "Bill Wolfer". 15 May 2007.