Portrait Records

The music industry has been home to many iconic record labels over the years, each with its own unique story and impact on the industry. One such label that deserves mention in any discussion of musical history is Portrait Records. This record label, launched in 1980 by CBS, was instrumental in helping many artists reach new heights in their careers and took music in a direction that had not been seen before.

Portrait Records was founded with the intent of being a label that focused on artist development. This was a departure from the industry norm at the time, where many labels worked on a more transactional basis, signing artists who already had a proven track record of success. Portrait Records wanted to take a chance on new and emerging artists and help them grow and succeed.

One of the key figures behind the launch of Portrait Records was Clive Davis. Davis was no stranger to the music business, having previously worked with renowned labels like Columbia Records, Arista Records, and Warner Music Group. He brought his extensive knowledge and expertise to the creation of Portrait Records, and his approach to artist development proved to be revolutionary.

Portrait Records quickly made a name for itself by signing artists like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Earth, Wind & Fire. These artists, while talented, were not yet household names, but with the support and guidance of Portrait Records, were able to make a significant impact on the music scene. Lauper’s debut album, She’s So Unusual, was a huge commercial success, selling over 16 million copies worldwide and earning her multiple Grammy Awards.

Another artist who found success with Portrait Records was Billy Joel. While Joel had enjoyed some success before signing with the label, he had yet to become the superstar he would later become. With the release of his album, Glass Houses, Joel found himself with a number one album and a hit single in “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.”

One of the key reasons that Portrait Records was so successful was their willingness to take risks on new and different musical styles. While other labels were focused on a particular sound or genre, Portrait Records was more concerned with finding talented artists and helping them develop their own unique style. This approach resulted in a diverse roster of artists and a sound that was completely their own.

Ultimately, however, the success of Portrait Records was not to last. In the mid-1980s, CBS went through a number of changes, and Portrait Records was no longer seen as a priority. Many of the label’s artists left to sign with other labels, and by the early 1990s, Portrait Records had ceased to exist.

Despite its relatively short existence, Portrait Records left a lasting impact on the music industry. The label’s focus on artist development and willingness to take risks on new and different styles helped shape the sound of popular music in the 1980s. Today, many of the artists who got their start with Portrait Records are considered to be some of the greatest musicians of all time.

In conclusion, Portrait Records was an iconic record label that left a lasting impact on the music industry. While it may have only been around for a short time, its focus on artist development and willingness to take risks on new and different musical styles helped shape the course of popular music. Today, it serves as a reminder of the important role that record labels play in helping talented artists reach new heights and achieve their dreams.