Capitol Records, one of the world’s preeminent music companies and the first record label established on the West Coast, will launch its 75th Anniversary Celebration in November with an extensive slate of music, film and literary projects that will pay tribute to Capitol artists spanning the past eight decades and shine a spotlight on their historic contributions to music and popular culture.
Capitol Music Group (CMG) Chairman & CEO Steve Barnett today announced three of the company’s planned endeavors: A year-long major vinyl reissue campaign – The Capitol Records 75th Anniversary Collection, 75 albums that illustrate the unparalleled artistry of Capitol Records throughout its history – launched in partnership with leading home furnishings destination Crate and Barrel; the publication of a deluxe photograph and essay book from TASCHEN, 75 Years Of Capitol Records, on December 15; and the development of a Capitol Records documentary series being produced by Nigel Sinclair/Whitehorse Pictures (“The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years,” “No Direction Home: Bob Dylan”), with individual episodes to be directed by music luminaries and Capitol artists, past and present.
Of note, the Capitol Records documentary series, which is planned for release in the autumn of 2017 – will tap into the creative passions of Capitol’s artists, the hidden glories of the company’s extensive archives and the many stories that have taken place within the Capitol Tower throughout its 75-year as one of the world’s premiere music companies. It will also tell the story of America’s love affair with popular music and an exploration of how Capitol’s artists and their music have helped shaped social movements, transform our popular culture and helped define our lives.
Each episode in this documentary series will be directed by a past or present-day Capitol artist or other cultural luminary who will bring a unique and knowledgeable perspective to the stories being conveyed.
Among Capitol artists throughout its 75-year history who might be central to episodes of the documentary series are:
— Ashford & Simpson
— Cannonball Adderley
— Duke Ellington
— Freddie Jackson
— George Clinton
— Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
— MC Hammer
— Miles Davis
— Nancy Wilson
— Nat King Cole
— Natalie Cole
— Tavares
— Tina Turner
And more…
The year-long celebration will commence on Tuesday, November 15 when Capitol becomes the first record company to receive a star of recognition from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which will be installed in front of the landmark Capitol Tower and adjacent to the internationally-renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame. At the star’s unveiling, the State the Los Angeles City Council will present Capitol with a resolution declaring November 15 Capitol Records Day in the city. Beginning that evening, the spire on top of the Capitol Tower that has always emitted “Hollywood” in Morse code will change to “Capitol 75,” and will continue to flash in that manner for the next 12 months.
