Manhattan Records
Corporate brand
UnclaimedManhattan Records is an American record-label brand with roots in EMI's adult contemporary and catalog operations, now operating within Universal Music Group's Interscope Capitol Labels Group.
Last updated August 24, 2026
Overview
Manhattan Records is an American record-label brand established in 1984 by Bruce Lundvall. It became associated with EMI's U.S. recorded-music operations and developed a business that combined new releases, artist albums, catalog reissues, and distribution partnerships. The label's identity was particularly connected with adult contemporary, pop, rock, jazz, and R&B-oriented repertoire, although its roster and releases varied across different periods of ownership and organizational structure. The label was initially formed as Manhattan Records and later became EMI Manhattan Records after absorbing the EMI America imprint. Under the EMI Manhattan name, it was used substantially for reissues from Capitol Records and other EMI-controlled catalogs, including material associated with United Artists Records and Liberty Records. This catalog role gave the label access to a broad historical repertoire rather than limiting it to newly signed artists. During the latter part of the 1980s, EMI Manhattan also distributed new albums from Philadelphia International Records, following Philadelphia International's earlier distribution relationship with CBS Records. The arrangement covered access to much of the label's post-1975 catalog, while earlier rights remained associated with CBS and later Sony Music for a period. Manhattan also participated in selected contemporary release ventures. In 1985, it entered a joint venture with Island Records for the United States release of Grace Jones's Slave to the Rhythm. The U.S. edition carried Manhattan's release numbering, while the British edition was issued through ZTT via Island without the Manhattan, Capitol, or EMI branding used in the U.S. arrangement. Artists associated with the EMI Manhattan era included Kenny Rogers, Richard Marx, Natalie Cole, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queensrÿche, David Bowie, and Thomas Dolby. The label was dissolved as a distinct EMI operation in 1989 and absorbed into Capitol Records, after which the associated catalog was issued under the EMI Records USA structure. A later phase of the brand appeared between 1988 and 1992 through Capitol Manhattan releases, which combined Capitol and Manhattan branding on albums by artists including D'Atra Hicks, Phil Perry, Gary Brown, and Rachelle Ferrell. The Manhattan name was revived in 2001 without the EMI prefix as a division of EMI Classics. Veteran producer Arif Mardin was involved in the relaunch, and Richard Marx, who had been one of the label's prominent earlier artists, returned to the revived imprint. In 2006, EMI reorganized its adult-music activities and placed Manhattan within the Blue Note Label Group. Following Universal Music Group's acquisition of EMI, the label was reorganized within Universal's Capitol-centered structure. It is now described as operating as a branch of Interscope Capitol Labels Group, connecting a historically catalog-focused imprint to a larger contemporary label network.
History
Manhattan Records was created in the United States in 1984 by Bruce Lundvall. From the beginning, the imprint operated within the established-record-company system rather than as an entirely independent label. It was subsequently renamed EMI Manhattan Records after absorbing EMI America Records, becoming part of EMI's strategy for managing both new recordings and historically significant catalogs. During the EMI Manhattan period, the imprint was used to reissue material from Capitol Records and other EMI-owned labels. The reissue program drew on catalogs connected with United Artists Records and Liberty Records, among others. This gave Manhattan a broad repertoire spanning multiple genres and decades. The label also became involved in distribution for Philadelphia International Records during the second half of the 1980s. That relationship followed Philadelphia International's earlier 15-year distribution arrangement with CBS Records and gave EMI access to much of the label's catalog from 1976 onward. Rights to earlier material remained with CBS, later Sony Music, before Sony acquired the remainder of the relevant catalog in 2007. The imprint was not limited to archival work. In 1985, Manhattan and Island Records jointly handled the United States edition of Grace Jones's Slave to the Rhythm. The release used Manhattan's numbering system in the U.S. In the United Kingdom, the album followed a different route through ZTT and Island Records, illustrating how the label's role could vary by territory and distribution agreement. EMI Manhattan's artist associations included Kenny Rogers, Richard Marx, Natalie Cole, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queensrÿche, David Bowie, and Thomas Dolby. The roster reflected the breadth of EMI's commercial and adult-oriented music activities rather than one narrowly defined genre. In 1989, EMI Manhattan ceased to operate as a separate label structure and was absorbed into Capitol Records, becoming part of EMI Records USA. The associated catalog subsequently appeared with EMI branding. The Manhattan name continued to appear in a Capitol Manhattan configuration from 1988 through 1992. Releases by D'Atra Hicks, Phil Perry, Gary Brown, and Rachelle Ferrell carried both Capitol and Manhattan marks in the United States. The physical presentation varied by format: some vinyl releases retained the colorful Manhattan-brick artwork while also displaying the Capitol logo, showing that the brand remained visible even as operational control shifted. In 2001, EMI revived Manhattan as a standalone imprint without the EMI prefix. The relaunch was organized as a division of EMI Classics and was associated with veteran producer Arif Mardin. Richard Marx, a prominent Manhattan artist from the earlier period, returned to the label, linking the revived brand to its prior history. In 2006, EMI reorganized its adult-music operations and placed Manhattan under the Blue Note Label Group. Universal Music Group's acquisition of EMI brought another structural change. In the subsequent reorganization, Manhattan moved into Universal's Capitol-centered label organization. The brand is described as operating under Interscope Capitol Labels Group, reflecting its position as an imprint within a major-label group rather than an independently listed company. Its historical importance lies in the combination of catalog stewardship, adult contemporary music, distribution partnerships, and repeated adaptation to changes in corporate label ownership.
- 2013
Post-EMI acquisition reorganization
[1]After Universal Music Group acquires EMI, Manhattan is placed within Universal's Capitol-centered organization.
- 2006
Placement under Blue Note Label Group
[1]EMI's adult-music reorganization places Manhattan under the Blue Note Label Group.
- 2001
Manhattan is relaunched
[1]The imprint returns without the EMI prefix as a division of EMI Classics.
- 1989
EMI Manhattan is folded into Capitol
[1]EMI dissolves the EMI Manhattan structure and incorporates it into Capitol Records as part of EMI Records USA.
- 1985
U.S. Grace Jones joint venture
[1]Manhattan and Island Records collaborate on the U.S. release of Grace Jones's Slave to the Rhythm.
- 1984
Manhattan Records is founded
[1]Bruce Lundvall establishes Manhattan Records in the United States.
Products and positioning
A catalog-conscious American record-label imprint that has combined adult-oriented contemporary music with archival reissues, artist albums, and selected distribution partnerships. Its identity has shifted with changes in EMI and Universal Music Group's label organization.
Catalog recordings
EMI Manhattan catalog reissues
A major function of the EMI Manhattan imprint was the reissue of recordings from Capitol Records and other EMI-owned catalogs. The program included repertoire connected with United Artists Records and Liberty Records, allowing older albums and recordings to be repackaged and redistributed under the Manhattan identity.
Music distribution · 1980
Philadelphia International Records distribution
During the latter half of the 1980s, EMI Manhattan distributed new Philadelphia International Records albums in the United States and held distribution access to relevant post-1975 catalog material. The arrangement followed Philadelphia International's earlier distribution relationship with CBS Records.
Album release · 1985
Slave to the Rhythm
Grace Jones's Slave to the Rhythm was released in the United States through a Manhattan Records and Island Records joint venture in 1985. The U.S. edition used Manhattan's release numbering, while the United Kingdom edition followed a separate ZTT and Island release arrangement.
Artist albums · 1988
Capitol Manhattan releases
Between 1988 and 1992, releases by D'Atra Hicks, Phil Perry, Gary Brown, and Rachelle Ferrell appeared under the Capitol Manhattan configuration. U.S. editions generally displayed both Capitol and Manhattan branding, while some physical editions retained Manhattan's distinctive colored-brick graphics.
Marketing campaigns
- 1985Slave to the Rhythm U.S. joint venture
United States
Manhattan partnered with Island Records to release Grace Jones's Slave to the Rhythm in the United States, using Manhattan's release numbering and label identity.
Outcome. The U.S. edition carried Manhattan branding, while the United Kingdom edition was issued through ZTT via Island under a different label configuration.
Brand decisions
2013
Integration after Universal's acquisition of EMIM&ABackground
Universal Music Group acquired EMI and subsequently reorganized EMI's label portfolio.
Action taken
Manhattan was placed within Universal's Capitol-centered label structure.
Aftermath
The brand continued as an imprint associated with the Capitol organization and is described as operating under Interscope Capitol Labels Group.
2006
Transfer to Blue Note Label GroupStrategyBackground
EMI reorganized its adult-music activities and consolidated related label operations.
Action taken
Manhattan was placed under the Blue Note Label Group.
Aftermath
The move positioned Manhattan within a broader group structure rather than as a fully autonomous label operation.
2001
Revival of the Manhattan imprintStrategyBackground
EMI sought to re-establish the Manhattan name within its adult-oriented and classical music operations.
Action taken
The label was relaunched without the EMI prefix as a division of EMI Classics, with Arif Mardin associated with the revival.
Aftermath
Richard Marx returned to the revived imprint, reconnecting the new operation with one of its earlier flagship artists.
1989
Absorption into Capitol RecordsStrategyBackground
EMI reorganized its U.S. label structure after the EMI Manhattan period.
Action taken
The EMI Manhattan imprint was dissolved as a separate operation and absorbed into Capitol Records, becoming part of EMI Records USA.
Aftermath
The associated catalog continued under EMI and Capitol-related branding rather than as a separately operated EMI Manhattan label.
Recent events
- 2013
Manhattan becomes part of Universal's Capitol structure[1]
M&A
Following Universal Music Group's acquisition of EMI, Manhattan is reorganized within the Capitol Music Group structure.
- 2006
Manhattan moves under Blue Note Label Group[1]
Leadership change
EMI's adult-music reorganization places Manhattan within the Blue Note Label Group.
- 2001
Manhattan label is relaunched[1]
Product launch
The Manhattan name returns without the EMI prefix as a division of EMI Classics, with Arif Mardin associated with the revival.
- 1989
EMI Manhattan is absorbed into Capitol's U.S. operations[1]
M&A
EMI dissolves the EMI Manhattan structure and incorporates it into Capitol Records, becoming part of EMI Records USA.
- 1985
Manhattan and Island collaborate on Grace Jones release[1]
Other · Product launch
Manhattan Records and Island Records form a U.S. release partnership for Grace Jones's Slave to the Rhythm.
- 1984
Manhattan Records is formed[1]
Other
Bruce Lundvall establishes Manhattan Records as an American record-label imprint.
Sources1 sources
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