The document discusses the four major record labels that control 70% of the global music market and 85% of the US market. It provides details on each label's market share in 2005, their notable imprints or subsidiary labels, and some of their key artists. The four major labels are Universal Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, EMI Group, and Warner Music Group.

1. 4 Major Record Labels

2. A record label is the brand name for a music release. Record labels are responsible for the manufacture, distribution and promotion of a particular recording. The major labels today are all 4 media conglomerates that operate a number of specific label imprints - the actual company logo stamped on the recording. Major labels account for 70% of music sales worldwide and 85% of music sales in the U.S.

3. 1. Universal Music Group The Universal Music Group sells more music than any other major label. They accounted for 25.5% of the market in 2005, according to IFPI. The group's well-known label imprints include Geffen, Interscope, Island, Motown, and Universal. Key artists are: Black eyed peas Mariah Carey 50 Cent Gwen stefani Kanye West

4. 2. Sony BMG Music Entertainment Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the second biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 21.5% of the market in 2005. The company's well-known label imprints include Arists, Columbia, Epic, J, Jive, and RCA. Key artists are: Kelly Clarkson Alicia Keys Outcast Shakira Britney spears

5. 3. EMI Group The EMI Group is the third biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 13.4% of the market in 2005. The group's well-known label imprints include Astralwerks, Capitol, EMI, Mute, and Virgin. Key artists are: The Beatles Coldplay Gorillaz Rolling Stones Robbie Williams

6. 4. Warner Music Group The Warner Music Group is the fourth major record label in music sales. They accounted for 11.3% of the market in 2005. The group's well-known label imprints include Asylum, Atlantic, Lava, Reprise, Rhino, and Warner Bros. Key artists are: Green Day Madonna Alanis Morissette My Chemical Romance Rob Thomas