Columbia

Columbia Origins

Columbia Records, which is part of the broader Columbia audio company, has its origins dating back to 1889 when it was founded as the Columbia Phonograph Company in Washington, D.C. by Edward D. Easton, a stenographer turned entrepreneur who saw potential in the burgeoning audio industry. In 1887, he founded the Columbia Phonograph Company, named after the District of Columbia, where it was headquartered. Initially, the company focused on selling Edison phonographs and phonograph cylinders, quickly establishing a local monopoly in the region.

As competition grew fierce, particularly from Thomas Edison and later from the Victor Talking Machine Company, Columbia adapted by innovating its products. In 1893, after merging with the American Graphophone Company, Columbia began manufacturing its own cylinder phonographs and records in Connecticut. This merger allowed them to introduce mechanical sound amplifiers—an early attempt to enhance audio quality without electronic components.

The turn of the century marked a significant shift in audio technology. Columbia began producing disc records in 1901, a format that would eventually dominate the market over cylinders. By 1906, they had partnered with radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi to develop Velvet Tone records, showcasing their commitment to innovation and quality. However, as radio broadcasting gained popularity in the 1920s, Columbia faced severe challenges that led to a temporary halt in record production by 1932.

Despite these setbacks, Columbia's resilience shone through during World War II when it rebounded and expanded its offerings. The introduction of long-playing records (LPs) in 1948 marked a pivotal moment for both Columbia and the music industry at large. This innovation allowed for extended playback times and transformed how music was consumed.

As Columbia evolved into CBS Records in the late 1960s, it continued to innovate, launching new formats and technologies that shaped modern audio reproduction. The legacy of Columbia's early days laid the groundwork for future advancements in turntable technology and sound quality that resonate even today.

The Columbia Graphophone Company, a British offshoot, was established in 1917 and became independent in 1922 after a management buyout. In 1925, the British company acquired a controlling interest in its American parent company, allowing it to take advantage of new electrical recording technology. This British entity later merged with the Gramophone Company in 1925 to form EMI but continued to operate under the Columbia name in the UK until the early 1970s.