Capitol Relaunches Tamla Records
• Capitol Music Group (CMG) and Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) have relaunched iconic label Tamla Records as a mainstream imprint focusing on positive hip-hop and R&B music. EJ Gaines (pictured below), current SVP of Marketing for Capitol CMG will oversee the label’s roster of artists and staff, supported by parent company Capitol Records.
Music visionary Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records nearly 65 years ago before changing the startup label’s name to the now-legendary Motown Records. A bridge from faith music to the mainstream since its inception, the first release on the fledgling label was the 1959 single “Come to Me,” from gospel-singer-turned-R&B-artist Marv Johnson. Tamla’s artist roster went on to include legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.
The first partner announced under the revived imprint is Quality Control’s longtime mix engineer and collaborator, Thomas “Tillie” Mann (Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, Drake, Migos) and his label, Encouragement Music.
In a joint statement, Capitol CMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy said, “We are thrilled to be re-launching the Tamla imprint. We want to honor the iconic history of the label founded by Mr. Gordy, and Tillie Mann and Encouragement Music are exactly the kind of partners that we want to work with. EJ Gaines is a seasoned executive who we know will guide Tamla along with the support of our overall Capitol CMG staff. We are grateful to Michelle Jubelirer and Capitol for their belief in this new venture.”
Capitol Music Group Chair & CEO Michelle Jubelirer said, “The relaunch of Tamla broadens our company’s commitment to hip-hop and R&B music, as well as to the artists, label partners and creative executives who have joined Capitol Music Group over the past 18 months. The artists EJ and his team will bring to Tamla will complement the incredible talent across our label group and will have everyone’s support throughout the wider company.”
Gaines commented, “Tamla has always been home to incredible music that has shifted culture. I’m excited to continue its rich legacy with groundbreaking, mainstream music that is faith-formed and culture-forward. I’m grateful to Hudson, Brad, and Michelle for trusting me with this honor.”
