Light Records
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music industry |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Ralph Carmichael |
| Headquarters | Waco , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Gospel music recordings |
| Parent | MNRK Music Group |
Light Records is a gospel record label established in 1966 by Ralph Carmichael through a collaboration with Word Records based in Waco, Texas. Presently, it operates as a division of the MNRK Music Group.
History
The original lineup of Light Records included Ralph Carmichael and his family members, such as Kim (Carol) Carmichael, along with artists like Jimmy Durante and Thurl Ravenscroft. Early on, the label concentrated on gospel music, signing notable future Grammy recipients like Andrae Crouch & the Disciples and The Oral Roberts Singers in 1968; the latter gained recognition for their themes on The Oral Roberts Hour.
Light Records broadened its gospel artist roster by adding performers such as Kristle Murden, The Archers, The Winans, Walter Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, and Bob Bailey. The label also embraced contemporary Christian musicians including Sweet Comfort Band, Reba Rambo-McGuire, Jamie Owens, Carman, and Paul Porter.
The label became known for pioneering gospel music innovation by employing A&R executive Bill Maxwell, who infused secular rock elements while preserving Christian lyrical messages. After ABC/CapCities acquired Word in 1974, Carmichael gained complete ownership of Light Records in 1980. Around 1982, Light formed a distribution partnership with Elektra Records to expand its market reach.
In 1993, Platinum Entertainment took over Light Records. When Platinum filed for bankruptcy in 2001, the label was rebranded under Compendia Music Group, continuing its focus on urban gospel. Compendia was subsequently acquired by Sheridan Square Entertainment in 2004.
Phillip White, serving as Light’s vice president in 2002, characterized the label as experiencing a creative revival that extended gospel music’s influence beyond traditional church settings and racial divides.
By April 2010, ownership of Light Records had transferred to Entertainment One. Under the leadership of executive James Robinson around that time, the label entered a new phase of nurturing gospel talent, supporting artists such as Youthful Praise featuring J.J. Hairston and releasing significant works from Shirley Caesar, Dorinda Clark Cole, Jonathan McReynolds, Dawkins & Dawkins, and Destiny's Child alumna Michelle Williams.