ATCO Records History of the Atlantic Imprint

ATCO Records is an American record label founded in 1955. Owned by the Warner Music Group and operating as an imprint of Atlantic Records, the label has a storied history of navigating various musical eras, from early jazz and pop to the hard rock and alternative sounds of the modern era.

History

1950s–1960s Beginnings

ATCO Records was established as an outlet for productions by Herb Abramson, one of the co-founders of Atlantic Records. The label was designed to house artists who did not fit the specific format of the main Atlantic brand, which focused heavily on blues, jazz, and soul. Originally planned to be called "Atlas," the name was changed to ATCO (an abbreviation for Atlantic Corporation) after the founders discovered another label already existed under the Atlas name.

In its early years, ATCO produced several jazz albums featuring artists like Betty Carter and Helen Merrill. However, the label soon transitioned into the pop and rock era, finding success with Bobby Darin and The Coasters. By the mid-1960s, ATCO expanded into rock-and-roll with acts such as Sonny and Cher, Buffalo Springfield, and Cream.

Notably, in 1964, ATCO released a US single by The Beatles, "Ain't She Sweet," which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The label also handled a unique release for The Who in 1966, issuing the song "Substitute" through an arrangement with UK Polydor Records.

1970s–1980s Downsizing

During the 1970s, Atlantic Records began to broaden its own roster, leading to a decrease in the importance of ATCO. Many of the label's acts were moved to the main Atlantic brand. During this period, ATCO became a primary home for hard rock acts, including the early albums of AC/DC, before they were eventually moved to Atlantic in 1978.

The 1980s saw a resurgence in visibility with strong chart performances from Pete Townshend and Gary Numan, as well as success with artists like JJ Fad and Michel'le. However, the label's overall activity steadily declined toward the end of the decade.

1990s Merger and Dormancy

The label's last number one hit occurred in 1990 with Sweet Sensation's "If Wishes Came True." In 1991, Atlantic Records Senior VP Sylvia Rhone merged ATCO with EastWest Records America, briefly operating as Atco/EastWest Records. By 1994, the ATCO name was dropped entirely, and the label became dormant, though the name continued to appear on reissues of past material.

2000s Revival under Rhino Entertainment

In 2005, ATCO was reactivated in a joint venture with Rhino Records to release the soundtrack for the Bobby Darin biopic Beyond the Sea. This revival led to a full reactivation in 2006, signing artists such as Scarlett Johansson, Art Garfunkel, and Queensrÿche. However, this period of activity was short-lived, and the label returned to a dormant state shortly thereafter.

2020s Return to Atlantic Records

In 2020, ATCO was officially relaunched under the aegis of Atlantic Records. Pete Ganbarg, the President of A&R for Atlantic Records, was appointed president of the newly revived label. The first signing for the relaunched ATCO was the Philadelphia-based alternative act Zero 9:36.