Pick a Day

Music History Events: Record Deals

July 11, 1995 George Michael signs a two-album deal split among two labels: Virgin in the UK and Dreamworks SKG in America. As part of the deal, Sony Records is paid $40 million to release Michael from his contract; after releasing his 1990 album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, he refused to record for the label and filed a lawsuit seeking release from his contract, which he lost.

October 31, 1993 Atlantic Records signs Hootie & the Blowfish, which have already released two independent EPs and grown a following in South Carolina. It's a good signing: the band's debut, Cracked Rear View, becomes the best-selling album in the label's history.

June 25, 1993 Just a year after forming, Weezer sign with the major label DGC Records. Their self-titled debut album ("The Blue Album") is released the following year and takes off thanks to the hits "Buddy Holly" and "Undone - The Sweater Song."

August 31, 1992 Prince extends his contract with Warner Bros. in a deal reported as being worth $100 million, but worth far less in reality.More

September 2, 1986 Debbie Gibson, a 16-year-old high school student from Long Island, signs to Atlantic Records, which is impressed by the many songs she has written and demoed in her home studio.

March 2, 1983 The Judds audition at RCA, singing mountain tunes and Naomi's unfinished original, "Change Of Heart." They earn a recording contract and issue their debut EP, Wynonna & Naomi, in January 1984.

March 23, 1980 U2 sign a worldwide deal with Island Records. They get about $100,000 for their first album.

September 14, 1977 Cheryl Lynn appears on the Gong Show, where she wows the judges with her version of "You Are So Beautiful." This earns her a deal with CBS Records, which issues "Got To Be Real" as her first single. The disco track is her only big Hot 100 hit, but she becomes a regular on the R&B chart.

November 1, 1976 Talking Heads sign with Sire Records. They were offered a deal a year earlier after making a splash on the CBGB scene, but wanted to wait until they were studio-ready.

July 9, 1974 Rush sign a deal with Mercury Records, who are impressed by their debut album, a self-titled independent release with the track "Working Man."

May 6, 1963 The Ronettes sign a five-year "personal services" contract with Phil Spector, giving him complete control of their recordings in exchange for a cash advance of $15,000 and royalties of about 3% of record sales. This works out very well for Spector, who reaps huge profits on the songs. The group claims they are never paid the royalties, and spend decades in legal action trying to recover them.

May 1, 1963 The Rolling Stones sign a management deal with Andrew Loog Oldham, who removes their apostrophe (they were The Rollin' Stones) and drops piano player Ian Stewart from the official lineup; he continues to play with the band and acts as road manager, but isn't recognized as a member. Stewart, who doesn't look the part, remains an integral part of the Stones operation until his death in 1985.