Virgin Records past and present
- By Richard Branson -
- Feb 20, 2013
This year is the 40th anniversary of Virgin Records, the business we started out of a crypt and turned into the world’s largest independent record label.
There will be plenty of celebrations looking back at the rich history of Virgin Records, and rightly so. But we are also excited about the future. It is great to see a new President of Virgin Records UK who is determined to bring it back to its glory days. Ted Cockle rebuilt Island Records with acts like Amy Winehouse and Florence & The Machine. I’m confident he can do the same with Virgin Records.
Tonight at the Brit Awards one of Virgin Records current leading lights, Emeli Sandé, is up for the Best Female, Best Album and Best Song prizes. After an incredible 2012 when she wooed the world at the Olympics and had the only million-selling album of the year, it is fitting that she will close the Brits with her beautiful music.
Alongside Emeli, Virgin Records already have an eclectic roster with everyone from Laura Marling to Katy Perry to Bastille. Look forward to hearing more great releases from Ted and the team in 2013. What albums are you looking forward to this year?
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
