Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: Disney’s musical error

In 1989, Disney decided that they wanted to get into the record industry. However, instead of buying an existing label, they decided to start from scratch. And with great fanfare, Disney launched Hollywood Records.

Unfortunately, Hollywood Records was a big bust. The first three dozen artists signed to the label didn’t have a single hit between them. But it gets better: Hollywood had a chance to sign the Smashing Pumpkins but they turned them down, figuring that the band just didn’t have any real potential. Maybe they should have learned from their first experience.

Hollywood Records was offered—and rejected—some band from the Pacific Northwest called Nirvana.

The last post featured was about I Dont Know How But They Found Me. And don’t forget to check out my podcast The Ongoing History of New Music where you listen on SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogleStitcher, or wherever you get your on-demand audio.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37993 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “Ongoing History Daily: Disney’s musical error

  • Yeah – but Hollywood Records was the home for Queen CDs in the US in the 90’s. I’m sure that licensing deal was expensive so I’m not sure that arrangement actually made them any money but I’m sure they shifted some units.

    Reply

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