Sire Records

American record label, Sire Records Company was founded in 1966 as "Sire Productions" by Seymour Stein and Richard Gotteher. In the 1970s, Sire transformed itself into a large independent label and went on to sign artists from the burgeoning punk and NYC "no wave" scenes, including The Ramones, The Dead Boys and Talking Heads. After a brief period of distribution by ABC Records, Sire was acquired by Warner Bros. Records in 1976.

Related Topics:
Record label - 1966 - Seymour Stein - 1970s - No wave - Ramones - The Dead Boys - Talking Heads - ABC Records - Warner Bros. Records - 1976

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In 1995, Sire left Warner Bros. to join its sister label Elektra Records, where Stein was appointed president. Three years later, Sire left Elektra but remained part of Warner Music Group.

Related Topics:
1995 - Elektra Records - Warner Music Group

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In 2000, Sire Records and the US division of London Records were merged to become London-Sire Records (still part of Warner Music Group). This partnership was dissolved in April 2003, at which point the company went back to being called Sire Records. In the time since, it has returned to the Warner Bros. Records fold.

Related Topics:
2000 - London Records - April - 2003

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Sire and Stein are credited for starting the professional career of Madonna when he signed her in 1982, and Ice T, who signed to the label 1986.

Related Topics:
Madonna - 1982 - Ice T - 1986

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