Constellation Records was an American label of SOLAR Records, and then MCA Records.[1]
| Constellation Records | |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Unidisc Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Dick Griffey |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Status | Defunct |
| Distributor(s) | Elektra Records (1981 - 1984) MCA Records (1984 - 1987) |
| Genre | Soul Post-disco R&B |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
History
In 1981, Constellation was founded by Dick Griffey, as an attempt to introduce more contemporary acts to Griffey's more traditionally "urban" establishment which was already being distributed through Elektra/Asylum Records.[2][3]
In 1984, Dick Griffey moved the Constellation label over to MCA Records for distribution, deciding to abandon contemporary music and continue the SOLAR tradition. It was a move that finally brought recognition to the label. Among the acts who shifted to the label were veteran Soul Train/SOLAR first lady Carrie Lucas (who eventually married Griffey) and Klymaxx.[4]
In 1987, Constellation was folded into MCA, when the artists (including Klymaxx) were transferred to MCA. Universal Music Group owned all of its post-1984 back catalog. On the other hand, EMI (which acquired SOLAR's back catalog after its closure in 1995) owned all of its pre-1984 back catalog. Unidisc Music currently owns most of SOLAR's (including Constellation) back catalog.
Notable artists
- Jon Gibson
- Klymaxx
- Carrie Lucas
- Bill Wolfer[5][6]
- Collage