CBS Records

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection

CBS Records  —  a New Zealand recording company (division of an international label)

CBS Records NZ was the New Zealand branch of the international record label, which operated from the early 1960s to 1990.  It released recordings from major international artists and signed and produced New Zealand talent, including Sharon O'Neill, who was the first local act signed in 1978.  The label was a key part of New Zealand's music industry during this period.  CBS Records NZ was the New Zealand branch of the international label, which was known as CBS Records outside the US and Canada to distinguish it from the Columbia Gramaphone Company in the UK.  The label signed and promoted local talent - a notable example is singer Sharon O'Neill, who was the first local artist signed by CBS Records NZ in 1978 after they saw her perform.  At the time, New Zealand had many artists who recorded with CBS Records, including The Avengers, Maria Dallas, and John Hore.  In 1988, Sony Corporation acquired the US-based CBS Records Group, and the international label was eventually succeeded by Sony Music in 1990.