Arts >> Music >> Other Music

History of MCA Records

MCA Records discovered, marketed and distributed recorded music. The history of MCA includes an extensive and complicated series of acquisitions and mergers.
  1. MCA Formation

    • MCA Records' parent company, Music Corporation of America (MCA) was founded in 1924 as a Chicago based talent agency. Music Corporation of America became incorporated as MCA Inc. in 1958 and began public stock trading in 1959.

    Acquisition of Decca Records

    • MCA Inc. entered the record business in 1962 with the acquisition of Decca Records, Universal Pictures' parent company.

    Growth and Acquisition

    • Decca Records dissolved into MCA Records in 1973. MCA continued growing by acquiring and merging the music catalogs of ABC, Geffen and a portion of Interscope into its MCA Music Entertainment Group family.

    New Ownership

    • In 1995, distiller Seagran's Company LTD obtained 80 percent of MCA Inc. Within one year, MCA Music Entertainment Group was renamed Universal Music Group.

    Legal Suit

    • Mattel sued MCA Records for producing, marketing and releasing the 1997 hit song "Barbie World." The Supreme Court declined to hear the case, ending the lawsuit.

    Dissolution

    • MCA Records completely dissolved in 2004 as it merged into Geffen Records.

Other Music

Related Categories