Chrysalis Records - Definition and Overview

Chrysalis is a record label that was created in 1969. The name is an amalgam of its founders names; Chris Wright and Terry Ellis. Chrysalis was formed through a licensing deal with Chris Blackwell's Island Records based on the success of bands like Jethro Tull and Procol Harum, which were promoted by the label.

Towards the end of the 1970s, the Chrysalis offshoot 2-Tone brought us bands such as the Specials, the Selector, Madness and the Beat.

In the 1980s Chrysalis was at the forefront of the British New Romantic movement with bands like Ultravox and Spandau Ballet (on the Reformation label).

The Chrysalis Records label was sold to EMI in 1991, but the music publishing business was retained as Chrysalis Music. Chrysalis Music's songwriters have had their material recorded by artists as diverse as Eminem, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Marilyn Manson, and Michael Jackson.

A Selection of Artists who have had work released by Chrysalis Records

• The Babys
• Pat Benatar
• Blondie
• Belinda Carlisle
• Carter USM
• Gang Starr
• Boo Hewerdine/The Bible
• Icehouse
• Billy Idol
• Jethro Tull
• Leo Kottke
• Sinéad O'Connor
• The Michael Schenker Group
• Steeleye Span
• Karlheinz Stockhausen
• June Tabor
• Ten Years After
• Robin Trower
• UFO
• Ultravox
• Was (Not Was)

List of record labels