Savoy Records
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music industry |
| Founded | 1942 |
| Founder | Herman Lubinsky |
| Fate | Purchased by Concord in September 2017 |
| Headquarters | Newark, New Jersey , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Herman Lubinsky (founder), Buck Ram, Teddy Reig, Ralph Bass, Fred Mendelsohn, Ozzie Cadena |
| Products | Jazz, rhythm and blues (R&B), gospel music recordings |
| Owner | Concord (since 2017) |
| Parent | Concord |
Savoy Records is a United States-based record label and company, established in 1942 by businessman Herman Lubinsky and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. The label is recognized for its focus on jazz, rhythm and blues (R&B), and gospel genres. In September 2017, Savoy was purchased by Concord, thereby broadening Concord's reach through Savoy’s vast music catalog.
History
During the 1940s, Savoy captured recordings from leading jazz figures such as Charlie Parker, Erroll Garner, Dexter Gordon, J. J. Johnson, Fats Navarro, and Miles Davis, securing a strong position in the jazz market. By 1948, the company sought expansion by acquiring several labels, including Bop, Discovery, National, and Regent. Additionally, it reissued material originally released by Jewel Records. In the early 1960s, Savoy broadened its scope to feature avant-garde jazz performers like Paul Bley, Bill Dixon, and Sun Ra.
After Lubinsky passed away in 1974, ownership of Savoy's catalog shifted to Clive Davis of Arista Records. Later, Joe Fields from Muse Records acquired it from Arista. In 1986, Malaco Records took over Savoy’s black gospel recordings and contracts, reflecting a diversified approach to the business.
In 1991, Nippon Columbia took ownership of Savoy and managed its worldwide operations via the subsidiary Savoy Jazz. The label further expanded in 2003 by purchasing the Muse and Landmark catalogs from 32 Jazz. A distribution partnership with Warner Music Group commenced in 2009, enhancing its industry presence. Savoy also managed the rock-oriented imprint 429 Records.
Despite its commercial success, some African American musicians voiced concerns regarding Lubinsky's payment policies. Journalist Tiny Price observed that although Lubinsky was often criticized for his business methods, he played an essential role in preserving important recordings for posterity.
Notable executives and artistic directors who shaped the label’s direction over time included Buck Ram, Teddy Reig, Ralph Bass (1948–1952), Fred Mendelsohn (1953), and Ozzie Cadena (1954–1962), all contributing to Savoy’s enduring reputation and strategic guidance.
Discography
The list below features 12" LPs identified by the MG prefix.
Subsidiaries
- Acorn Records (operated from 1949 to 1951)
- Gospel Records (active between 1958 and the early 1970s)
- Regent Records (functioned from 1947 until 1964)
- Sharp Records (in business from 1960 to 1964)