Universal Music Group

Guide Note:Universal Music Group is one of the biggest music labels in the United States. The other three major music labels are: Sony BMG, EMI Group, and Warner Music Group. Universal Music Group is owned partially by Vivendi studios and is a privately held company. Currently UMG is the largest music group in the United States.

History Universal Music Group is the first ever music label to be tied to a film production company, Universal Studios and was initially formed in 1934 as the American branch for Decca Records. In 2004, when Universal Music Group purchased Vivendi Studios, they also parted ways with the film studio. Two years later, in 2006, they were purchased by Vivendi Studios. Labels Universal Music Group has many labels, which include: Interscope-Geffen-A&M, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Machete Music, Universal Music Group Nashville and Verve Records among many others. The labels feature popular artists such as Eminem, Elton John, 50 Cent, Marilyn Manson, Dr. Dre, Mariah Carey, George Strait and many others. Controversy Universal Music Group has been the subject of many controversy's since the formation of the company. One of the biggest controversies was when UMG sued MySpace over copyright infringement. They also got sued for bribing other radio stations to play songs from a select few singers, in which they had to pay a settlement of $12 million. UMG is also in the process of chasing down users that without prior consent have been using their music in any of the online videos submitted to YouTube.

Fast Facts:

1. Headquarters: Paris, France, Santa Monica, California, and New York City, New York
2. President or CEO: Doug Morris
3. 1934: Founded
4. Parent Company: Vivendi
5. 2008: Entered into a joint venture with MySpace
6. First company to be tied to a movie studio, Universal Studios