Blue Note Records: A brief history of the jazz label
One of the greatest jazz labels of all time
Last updated 29th Jun 2020
Arguably the greatest jazz label of all time, Blue Note Records was founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis to record musicians who were not recognised by other major labels.
Deriving its name from the blue notes of jazz and blues, Blue Note has become the home of some of the finest jazz musicians and best albums from across the years.
Which artists have been signed to Blue Note Records?
Its golden years are considered to be in the 1950s and 1960s, where it sported jazz names like Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter, Grant Green, Jutta Hipp and Horace Silver.
Not only did this era see some of the best jazz musicians, but it also showcased the photography and graphic design of Reid Miles and Francis Wolf, which helped build its artistic vision and reputation.
Blue Note continues to bear the torch for the jazz community, with artists like Gregory Porter, Tom Misch, Norah Jones, Kandace Springs, Marcus Strickland, Wayne Shorter, GoGo Penguin and Robert Glasper all recording under its name.