Dot Records

About

American record label founded around 1950 by Randy Wood and Gene Nobles in Gallatin, Tennessee; also appears as "Dot" only. Label Code: LC 0184 / LC 00184 For all unofficial/bootleg releases of this label, please use Dot Records (2). For related companies, see Dot Records, Inc., Famous Music Corporation/Paramount Pictures Corporation, MCA Records, Inc. Dot Records was sold to Paramount Pictures in 1957 (and adopted a version of the Paramount logo, which it used on 45 RPM single sleeves and album covers; the company had relocated to Hollywood by 1956). Gulf+Western Industries bought Paramount in 1968, placed its operation under its Famous Music publishing unit and changed the Dot label design. The G+W-era Paramount logo started appearing on Dot albums about at record number DLP-25852. The back catalog to date was deleted once the Famous Music administration began. Dot reissues subsequently appeared on the Paramount Records and Famous Records labels. Gulf+Western sold its record operation to ABC in late 1973, which absorbed the catalog and labels into ABC Dunhill Records. Early in 1974, Dot Records was renamed ABC Dot and became the country music unit of ABC Records. The new DOSD-2001 series lasted until the end of 1977 when Dot was discontinued in favor of the parent ABC label. In 1979, ABC's catalog, including Dot, was sold to MCA, which itself merged in 1998 with PolyGram and ultimately became Universal Music Group. Billed itself in the 1950s and 1960s as having "The Nation's Best-Selling Records." Though its biggest stars included Pat Boone and bandleaders Billy Vaughn and Lawrence Welk (who left the label with his back catalog after the 1968 sale of the company), a number of significant early rock and roll, surf (The Surfaris) and doo-wop singles were released on Dot, often under license from outside producers. Released their first stereo LPs in August 1958 with stereo tapes to follow in October. Operated their own "Dot Record Club" from November 1, 1964, to January 20, 1968. Distributed Bob Crewe's Dynovoice Records for a brief time in 1968-69. Also pressed and distributed Jeff Barry's Steed Records from 1968 to 1971. Subsidiary labels include Crystalette Records (Dodie Stevens), Hamilton and Acta Records (The American Breed). In 2014, Dot Records was revived in a joint venture between Big Machine Label Group and Republic Nashville, with Chris Stacey (2) appointed general manager. The label was discontinued again in 2017. 45 RPM catalog number, date and label identification: 1000 through 1100 (1950–1952): Glossy maroon label with gold print. 1101 through 1150 (1952–1953): Yellow label with black print. 1151 through 1288 (1953–1957): Maroon label with silver print. 15000 through 15500 (1951–1957): Maroon label with silver print. 15501 and higher (1957 forward): Black label. A few numbers above 15500 are on the maroon label.