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1897 The Gramophone Company is founded.
1908 The first record is pressed at the new Hayes factory. Commercial pressing commences in July.
1921 Sir Edward Elgar opens The Gramophone Company's new premises in Oxford Street and in November he opens the new EMI Recording Studios at Abbey Road, St John's Wood.
1935 EMI (Ireland) is formed.
1952 First release by EMI of 33rpm microgroove Long Playing records.
1955 Contract is signed for EMI to purchase control of Capitol Records Inc and the following year makes its initial release on the label.
1962 June 4 The Beatles sign their first contract with Parlophone and in October they release their first single, 'Love Me Do.'
1971 Electrical & Musical Industries changes its name to EMI Records Ltd. 'It is felt that such a change is appropriate for two reasons: first because our present name no longer reflects our wide span of activities and interests; and secondly, the initials EMI have become our primary means of identification throughout the world'.
1976 EMI Records sign an unknown group 'offering some promise' - The Sex Pistols.
1977 EMI America Records Inc is incorporated in Hollywood, California.
1983 EMI Music announces its support of the Compact Disc. First releases are planned for mid-1983.
1989 EMI Music purchases a 50% interest in Chrysalis Records.
1992 EMI Music acquires Richard Branson's Virgin Records.
1994 EMI Records UK honoured by The Queen's Award for Export Achievement for the second time.
1997 EMI celebrates its centenary.
2001 Alain Levy and David Munns become Chairman and Vice Chairman of EMI Recorded Music.
2002 Virgin Records becomes fully integrated into the UK company and Tony Wadsworth is appointed to his current position of Chairman and CEO of EMI Music UK and Ireland.
2003 EMI Recorded Music becomes EMI Music to reflect the way consumers can gain access to EMI's music in many different ways in addition to buying records.
2005 New label group Angel Music Group is set up at EMI Music UK, consisting of Angel, Innocent and EMI Classics.