Capitol Christian Music Group | |
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Parent company |
EMI (1976–2013) Universal Music Group (2013–present) |
Founded | 1976 |
Founder | Billy Ray Hearn |
Distributor(s) |
Capitol Music Group (in North America) Virgin EMI Records (in the United Kingdom) |
Genre | Christian music, contemporary Christian music, Christian rock, gospel |
Country of origin | United States |
Location | Brentwood, Tennessee |
Official website | capitolchristianmusicgroup |
Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) (formerly known as EMI Christian Music Group) is an American music group that, since 2013, is under the ownership of Universal Music Group. It is based in Brentwood, Tennessee. Capitol CMG is the leader in the Christian Gospel music industry.
Capitol CMG is a company whose assets include such labels as Sparrow and ForeFront Records as well as the industry's distribution company and a publishing company.
Capitol CMG features artists such as Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans and Hillsong United.
The music group was founded by Billy Ray Hearn in February 1976 as Sparrow Records. Sparrow was acquired by EMI in 1992. Formerly known as EMI Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG is a division of Capitol Music Group, which is now a Universal Music Group company. Over the years, the venture has grown from a scrappy family-owned independent music label to a multi-faceted business that includes Capitol CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, sixstepsrecords, Hillsong and Credential Recordings), Capitol CMG Publishing, Motown Gospel and Capitol Christian Distribution.
The company's roster features top names in the Christian and gospel communities, among them Amy Grant, Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Hillsong United, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Britt Nicole, Crowder, Newsboys, Matt Redman, Tasha Cobbs, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Colton Dixon, Mandisa, Paul Porter, Matthew West, NF (Nathan Feuerstein), Kari Jobe, and Social Club Misfits.