Who Owns Epic Records?
Epic Records is owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Epic operates as a major label within Sony Music's portfolio and is headquartered in New York City, USA. Sony Corporation is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 6758).
Parent Company
Sony Music Entertainment
Acquired
1953
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
Who Owns Epic Records?
- Parent Company: Sony Music Entertainment
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1953
- Company Type: Privately Held
- Stock Ticker: Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6758
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Epic Records | Sony Music Entertainment | Wholly owned |
History of Epic Records
- Founded: 1953
- Founders: Columbia Records
- Acquired by Sony Music Entertainment: 1953
Epic Records was founded in 1953 as a subsidiary label of Columbia Records, initially focusing on pop and rock music. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for quality music solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the record label category for generations. The label quickly established itself as a successful imprint, signing diverse artists and building a reputation for quality recordings and artist development. This strategic positioning demonstrated Epic Records' exceptional ability to create differentiated music solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the label for decades. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Epic developed a strong roster of artists across multiple genres.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Epic Records evolved into a major force in popular music, signing significant artists and establishing itself as a powerhouse label within the Columbia Records family. This period of excellence demonstrated Epic Records' exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple music segments. The label became particularly successful in rock, pop, and contemporary music markets, developing a reputation for identifying and developing commercial talent. This strategic diversification demonstrated Epic Records' exceptional ability to serve multiple artist segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the record label industry.
When Sony Corporation acquired CBS Records in 1988, Epic Records became part of Sony Music Entertainment. This strategic integration demonstrated Epic Records' exceptional ability to integrate into larger entertainment corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the music industry. Under Sony ownership, Epic has continued its success while adapting to digital transformation and changing music consumption patterns, maintaining its position as a leading contemporary music label. This continued evolution demonstrates Epic Records' exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing music requirements and technological advancements. The label's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of record labels and consumer-focused music solutions.
About Sony Music Entertainment
What does Sony Music Entertainment own?
Sony Music Entertainment owns a portfolio of record labels including Columbia Records, Epic Records, RCA Records, Arista Records, Legacy Recordings, and Masterworks, among many others. Through Sony Music Publishing, the company owns or administers one of the world's largest music publishing catalogs, including the Beatles' song catalog. SME is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.
Is Sony Music Entertainment publicly traded?
No, Sony Music Entertainment is not independently publicly traded. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 6758 and on the NYSE as an ADR under ticker SONY. SME's financial results are reported as part of Sony Group's Music segment.
Who founded Sony Music Entertainment?
Sony Music Entertainment traces its origins to American Record Corporation (1929) and Columbia Records (acquired by CBS in 1938 as CBS Records). Sony Corporation acquired CBS Records in 1988 for approximately $2 billion and renamed it Sony Music Entertainment. The company's current form was shaped by the 2004 to 2008 Sony BMG joint venture with Bertelsmann, which Sony fully acquired in 2008.
Where is Sony Music Entertainment headquartered?
Sony Music Entertainment is headquartered in New York City, New York, USA. The company has significant operations in Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, and other major music markets worldwide. Sony Music Publishing is also headquartered in New York City.
How many record labels does Sony Music Entertainment own?
Sony Music Entertainment owns dozens of record labels across all genres of music. The major labels include Columbia Records, Epic Records, RCA Records, Arista Records, Legacy Recordings, and Masterworks. Each major label typically operates several sub-labels and imprints. Sony Music Publishing administers one of the world's largest music publishing catalogs.
Who owns Sony Music Entertainment?
Sony Music Entertainment is wholly owned by Sony Group Corporation, a publicly traded Japanese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Sony Group trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 6758. Sony Group itself has a broad institutional and retail shareholder base with no single controlling shareholder.
- Founded: 1929
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Company Type: Privately Held
- Stock: Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6758
Where Is Epic Records Made / Based?
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Europe, Asia
Brands Owned by Sony Music Entertainment
- Alamo Records - American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, founded in 2012 and kno...
- Arista Records - American record label founded in 1974 by Clive Davis, now owned by Sony Music En...
- Columbia Records - Historic American record label founded in 1887, now owned by Sony Music Entertai...
- Jive Records - American record label founded in 1981, now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, sp...
- Legacy Recordings - American catalog and reissue label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, specializi...
- Masterworks Records - American classical music record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, special...
- RCA Records - Historic American record label founded in 1901 as Victor Talking Machine Company...
Epic Records Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Historic brand recognition and heritage dating back to 1953
- +Backed by Sony Corporation's substantial financial resources and technology
- +Global distribution network through Sony Music Entertainment
- +Strong artist development and A&R capabilities
- +Extensive catalog of hit recordings across multiple genres
Considerations
- -Competition from independent labels and artist-owned platforms
- -Digital disruption affecting traditional music business models
- -Need to maintain cultural relevance with changing music trends
- -Dependence on hit-driven success and artist relationships
- -Pressure to balance commercial success with artistic development
Frequently Asked Questions About Epic Records
Competitors to Epic Records
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Label | USA | 2017 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Universal Music Group | USA | 1984 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Universal Music Group | USA | 1989 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Universal Music Group | USA | 1995 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Warner Music Group | USA | 1971 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Warner Music Group | USA | 1947 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Cactus Jack
Owned by Independent Record Label
American record label founded by Travis Scott in 2017, focusing on hip-hop and alternative artists with distribution through major labels.

Def Jam Recordings
Owned by Universal Music Group
American hip-hop record label founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, now owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in New York City.

Interscope Records
Owned by Universal Music Group
American record label founded in 1989, now owned by Universal Music Group, specializing in hip-hop, pop, and alternative music.

Republic Records
Owned by Universal Music Group
American record label founded in 1995 by Monte and Avery Lipman, now owned by Universal Music Group, specializing in pop and contemporary music.

Asylum Records
Owned by Warner Music Group
American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, now owned by Warner Music Group, specializing in rock and pop music.

Atlantic Records
Owned by Warner Music Group
American record label owned by Warner Music Group, founded in 1947, known for rhythm and blues, rock, and hip-hop artists.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Epic Records competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Sony Music Entertainment Stock Information
Jobs at Sony Music Entertainment
Latest News About Epic Records
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