1900s

1901-1929: The Birth of an Empire

The story of RCA begins in 1901, with the founding of the Victor Talking Machine Company by Eldridge R. Johnson. This pioneering company would go on to revolutionize the way music was consumed, manufacturing phonographs and records that brought the sounds of the time into homes across America. By the late 1920s, Victor was a leader in the industry, producing not only equipment but also the music to play on it.

1920s

In 1929, the landscape of the company changed forever. Radio Corporation of America (RCA) acquired Victor, forming the iconic RCA Victor brand. This merger combined the cutting-edge world of radio with the burgeoning recording industry, setting the stage for a new era of influence.

1930s

Innovation in the Face of Adversity

The 1930s saw RCA Victor continue to lead the charge in sound innovation, even as the world reeled from the effects of the Great Depression. The company made its first foray into longer play records with the introduction of the 33⅓ rpm format—though it would take another two decades for that format to truly take off.

1940s

Through the 1940s, RCA Victor emerged as a leader in popularizing the 78 rpm records that dominated the market at the time. The unmistakable logo, Nipper the dog, became a cultural symbol of quality music. Despite world wars and economic strife, RCA continued to innovate, laying the groundwork for the rock revolution that was just around the corner.

1950s

Rock ‘n’ Roll Royalty

Few moments in music history are as monumental as the signing of Elvis Presley to RCA in 1955. As the world began to embrace the rebellious spirit of rock and roll, RCA found itself at the forefront. Presley’s blend of Southern charm and raw energy captured the hearts of a generation, and RCA Records became the label synonymous with the new sound of America.

1960s

A Diverse Dynasty

The ’60s and ’70s were decades of musical revolution, and RCA stood firmly at the center of it. The label diversified its roster, signing groundbreaking artists like David Bowie, The Guess Who, and John Denver, all while maintaining its place in the world of country and pop music.

1980s

RCA entered the 1980s with a rich legacy but faced increasing competition and financial challenges. Even so, the label continued to sign significant acts, including pop duo Hall & Oates and new wave innovators Eurythmics. However, by the mid-’80s, it became clear that RCA would need to change course. In 1986, General Electric acquired RCA, and the once-independent label became part of the Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG). Though the ownership changed, RCA Records retained its identity and continued to nurture its diverse artist roster through the new challenges of the digital era.

1990s

The 1990s were a renaissance for RCA, as the label adapted to the rapid changes of the industry. The rise of Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and the Dave Matthews Band proved that RCA could still break new artists and compete with younger, more aggressive labels. The company was now firmly entrenched in the world of mainstream pop, hip-hop, and rock, navigating the transition from physical records to digital formats. RCA wasn’t just adapting—it was thriving.

2000s

The 21st century brought a wave of consolidation in the music industry, and RCA was no exception. In 2004, Sony Music and BMG merged to form Sony BMG, and RCA became a critical part of the new entity’s strategy for the global music market. By 2008, Sony had bought out BMG entirely, forming Sony Music Entertainment, with RCA Records standing as one of its flagship labels.

2010s

The company consolidated many of its smaller labels under the RCA banner in 2011, streamlining its operations and focusing on nurturing a new generation of stars like Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, and SZA.

2020s

Today, RCA Records remains a powerhouse in the industry, leading the charge with acts like Doja Cat, Khalid, and H.E.R., all while staying true to its century-old tradition of pushing boundaries. In a world that’s constantly changing, RCA continues to adapt, thriving in the era of streaming and social media while honoring its legacy as a pioneer of recorded sound. From the invention of the 45 rpm single to being home to the most influential artists of the 21st century, RCA Records has always been more than a label. It’s a cultural institution—one that has shaped the way we listen, create, and experience music.