Atlantic

Atlantic Records began in New York City in 1947 as an independent label founded by Ahmet Ertegun, Herb Abramson and Miriam Abramson. It grew from a one-room operation into a major name in American recorded music, with Ahmet’s brother Nesuhi Ertegun and producer Jerry Wexler later joining the company. Atlantic’s history is closely tied to New York recording culture, while its present-day studio network extends across New York, Atlanta and California.

Recording has always been central to the Atlantic identity. Atlantic Recording Studios first operated at 234 West 56th Street from November 1947 until mid-1956, then moved to 157 West 57th Street. Its historic facility was later located at 1841 Broadway, at the corner of 60th Street. Engineer and producer Tom Dowd helped make the studio the first to record in stereo, an early technical milestone that became part of Atlantic’s studio legacy.

Atlantic was acquired by Warner Bros.-Seven Arts in 1967. After Kinney National Company bought Warner Bros.-Seven Arts in 1969, Atlantic and Warner Bros. were brought together within the same record business, with Ahmet Ertegun holding substantial responsibility in the new operation. The subsequent acquisition of Elektra helped form the Warner-Elektra-Atlantic alliance. Atlantic remains part of Warner Music Group and sits within Atlantic Music Group alongside Elektra, Rhino Records and Lava.

The label's contemporary artist roster reaches across pop, rap, R&B and electronic music. Cardi B and Luh Tyler represent its rap releases, while Kehlani and Mike Clark Jr. connect the label to contemporary R&B. Sia's work places Atlantic in mainstream pop, and Skrillex brings a major electronic presence. The roster also includes artists such as Ally Evenson and American Idol releases, reflecting a broad commercial catalogue built around vocal music, rap and electronic production.