EMI

EMI Origins

EMI, originally known as Electric and Musical Industries, has a rich history rooted in the early days of sound recording and turntable manufacturing.

Founding of The Gramophone CompanyIn 1897, Emile Berliner, a German-born American inventor, founded The Gramophone Company in London. This company was pivotal in the development of sound recording technology, producing the first recordings on flat discs rather than cylinders, which was a revolutionary advancement at the time.

Berliner’s invention of the gramophone allowed for the mass production of music recordings, fundamentally changing how music was consumed.

Early Successes and InnovationsThe Gramophone Company quickly gained prominence, achieving its first million-selling record in 1926 with Mendelssohn's "O For The Wings of a Dove" sung by Ernest Lough.

By the 1920s and 1930s, the company introduced significant innovations such as double-sided discs and stereo technology, solidifying its position in the recording industry.

Merger and Formation of EMI

In 1931, The Gramophone Company merged with the Columbia Graphophone Company to form Electric and Musical Industries (EMI). This merger combined their resources and expertise, allowing EMI to expand its reach and influence in the music industry.

The new entity not only produced records but also manufactured turntables and other audio equipment, marking a significant evolution from its original focus on sound recording alone.

Growth Through Innovation

EMI continued to innovate throughout the mid-20th century, launching various record formats including the first vinyl 33rpm LP in 1948.

The company played a crucial role in popularizing turntables that could play these new formats, thus contributing to the home audio revolution.

Over time, the company diversified into various audio equipment, though its turntable manufacturing is most notably associated with the Linn Sondek LP12, produced by Linn Products, a separate but related audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1972.

Legacy in Music Recording

Over the decades, EMI became synonymous with major artists and landmark recordings. It housed legendary acts such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and many others, becoming one of the largest music conglomerates globally before its eventual acquisition by Universal Music Group in 2012.

In summary, EMI's origins as a manufacturer of turntables are deeply intertwined with its history as a pioneer in sound recording technology. From Berliner's initial innovations to its status as a major player in the music industry, EMI's legacy continues to influence audio manufacturing today.