Apple Records

Apple Records was founded in 1968 as a subsidiary of Apple Corps Ltd., a multi-faceted company established by the Beatles to manage their business affairs and creative projects. The label was launched with the single "Hey Jude" by the Beatles, which became a worldwide hit. The initial roster included the Beatles themselves, as well as artists such as Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, and Badfinger. The label's offices were located at 3 Savile Row in London, which also housed the Apple Boutique and recording studio. The Beatles' own releases on Apple included the "White Album" (1968), "Yellow Submarine" (1969), "Abbey Road" (1969), and "Let It Be" (1970).¹

Beyond the Beatles, Apple Records signed a diverse range of artists. Mary Hopkin's debut single "Those Were the Days" was a number one hit in the UK and US. James Taylor's self-titled debut album was released on Apple in 1968, though he later found greater success on Warner Bros. Records. Badfinger, originally known as The Iveys, released several albums on Apple, including "No Dice" (1970) which contained the song "Without You" later covered by Harry Nilsson. Other artists included Billy Preston, whose single "That's the Way God Planned It" was released on Apple, and the Modern Jazz Quartet. The label also released the soundtrack to the film "The Magic Christian" (1969) featuring Badfinger and Peter Sellers.²

After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Apple Records continued to release solo albums by the former members. John Lennon's "Plastic Ono Band" (1970), Paul McCartney's "McCartney" (1970), George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" (1970), and Ringo Starr's "Sentimental Journey" (1970) were all issued on Apple. The label also released albums by Yoko Ono, including "Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band" (1970). However, by the mid-1970s, the label's activity declined as legal disputes and management issues plagued Apple Corps. The last new release on Apple was in 1975, after which the label went dormant, though the Beatles' catalog continued to be distributed through other labels.³

Apple Records has been involved in a series of legal disputes with Apple Inc. (the computer company) over the use of the Apple trademark. The first agreement in 1981 allowed Apple Computer to use the name for computer products, but not for music. Subsequent disputes arose in 1989 and 2003, leading to a settlement in 2007 where Apple Inc. acquired all rights to the Apple name and logo, and licensed it back to Apple Corps for use on Beatles-related products. The iconic green Apple logo was designed by Gene Mahon, with the label's name in a distinctive typeface. The logo has become synonymous with the Beatles' later work and is still used on reissues.⁴

Apple Records had several lesser-known facets. The label's first signing was not a Beatle but a singer named Jackie Lomax, whose single "Sour Milk Sea" was written by George Harrison. The label also released spoken-word and experimental albums, such as "Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, which was controversial for its nude cover. Apple also had a short-lived subsidiary, Zapple Records, which released avant-garde recordings. The label's office at 3 Savile Row was the site of the Beatles' final rooftop concert in 1969. Additionally, Apple Records released the soundtrack to the film "El Topo" (1970) by Alejandro Jodorowsky, though it was later withdrawn. The label also handled the release of the Beatles' Christmas records for fan club members.

Apple Records' legacy endures through the continued popularity of the Beatles' catalog and the solo works of its members. In 2010, the Beatles' entire catalog was remastered and reissued on CD, and in 2015, it became available on streaming services. Apple Records has also released archival material, such as the "Anthology" series in the 1990s and the "Let It Be" special edition in 2021. The label's influence extends to the modern music industry, as it was one of the first artist-owned labels, setting a precedent for artist control and creative freedom. The green Apple logo remains a symbol of the Beatles' legacy and is recognized worldwide.

Apple Corps

The multi-faceted company founded by the Beatles in 1968, of which Apple Records was a division.

Zapple Records

A short-lived subsidiary of Apple Records that released avant-garde and spoken-word recordings.

Savile Row

The street in London where Apple Corps' headquarters and recording studio were located.