Elektra Records was started by Jac Holzman in December, 1950, in New York City. Elektra initially recorded folk music, ethnic music, jazz and gospel, although it later expanded into blues, pop, and rock music.

In 1963, Jac started Nonesuch as a sub-label for inexpensive classical releases. (Nonesuch is now an affilated label of Warner Bros. Records under the Warner Music Group.)

By the late '60s, Elektra was having success with artists like Doors, The, Judy Collins, Tim Buckley and Bread. But the record business was changing and Jac knew Elektra could not survive as a small independent label. Jac talked to Warner Brothers about combining the two companies and establishing a record distribution arm. He received 10 million dollars for Elektra and agreed to remain with the company for three years.

In 1974 Elektra was merged with Asylum Records. It was later merged with Atlantic Records and Lava to become The Atlantic Records Group, under the larger Warner Music Group.

Labelcodes: LC 00192 / LC 0192