8 Facts About Mercury Records

1. In 1958, Mercury Records switched its distribution in the UK from Pye to EMI, and in 1964 to Philips.

2. In late 1955, Mercury Records began using 3 omnidirectional microphones to make stereo recordings on 3-track tape.

3. Under the reorganization, Mercury Records was folded into the newly formed The Island Def Jam Music Group.

4. In July 1967, Mercury Records became the first US record company to release cassette music tapes.

5. In 1962, Mercury Records began marketing a line of phonographs made by Philips bearing the Mercury brand name.

6. Under their own label, Mercury Records released a variety of recording styles from classical music to psychedelic rock.

7. Rather than rely on radio airplay, Mercury Records initially relied on jukeboxes to promote their music.

8. Early in the label's history, Mercury Records opened two pressing plants, one in Chicago and the other in St Louis, Missouri.