The
company started life as the Columbia Phonograph Co. in 1887
in USA. It flourished for more than three decades, and
set up branches in several other countries. In 1923, however,
it hit financial troubles and went into receivership.
The British subsidiary was sold as Columbia, later a part of
EMI. In the USA, Columbia ended up in the possession of
William S. Paley, founder of Columbia Broadcasting Systems.
From 1965, CBS flourished as a major manufacturer and
distributor of records. Issuing thousands of singles on its
own CBS label it was also home to a number of other successful
labels.. |