Atlantic Records branch out into Christian music

ONE OF THE big mainstream record labels, Atlantic Records, have launched a Christian music division based in Nashville. Billy Hearn, president/CEO of EMI Christian Music Group, says the new division is important to the Christian marketplace. "I feel Atlantic's commitment to Christian music is significant in that perhaps, if that commitment had not been made, the largest entertainment company (Time Warner Inc of which Atlantic is a part) would have been out of the Christian music business. And that's not good for the industry." Barry Landis will serve as president/GM of the new division. He said, "This could be the greatest opportunity I've seen in my lifetime in terms of Christian and gospel music being embraced by a mainstream company." The new division will not be a separate label or imprint but will operate as part of Atlantic. The first release will be the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's 'High And Lifted Up' album with other albums slated for the coming year by Take 6, Dave Pack, Andrae Crouch and Carlton Pearson. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.