Emerald Music
Emerald Music is an independent record label specialising in Irish, Scottish and Celtic music. It is based in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Background
Emerald Music was founded in 1964 by Mervyn Solomon, who was the first person to record Rory Gallagher and Van Morrison of the R & B group Them. The label now specialises in Irish traditional and country music, and compilation albums. It also covers a range of Scottish music, including some of Scotland's most famous pipe bands. The company has an extensive back catalogue and claims to be one of the most comprehensive Irish and Scottish record labels. George Doherty started working with Mervyn Solomon in Emerald's new studios during September 1975. The studios were called Hydepark Studios. George and Mervyn had many successes including 2 UK top twenty albums with Scottish singer Ann Williamson. During 1989 George teamed up with John Anderson and together they produced what proved to be the backbone for the first 4 Jive Bunny hits. Three UK number 1's and the 4th Single went to number 4 in the UK Music Week singles chart. The Jive Bunny album was number 1 in the UK and went triple platinum with over 900,000 sales. Jive Bunny was also a top ten hit in many countries around the world including the USA.
George and John then bought the studios and label from Mervyn Solomon in 1992 and in the year 2000 John Anderson left to pursue his dream of writing a musical for stage.
George continued with a new partner called Martin McBurney with both continuing to run the business until September 2012, when George bought out Martin's interest in Emerald Music and became the sole owner of the company.
Artists
Artists on this label included Jim Armstrong, and John Wilson who both played with Them, and the John Anderson Big Band, who played on the Jive Bunny hit records. Their current catalogue includes 1980s Irish rock band Bagatelle, 1950s singer Bridie Gallagher, Scottish singers Andy Stewart, Sydney Devine, techno duo Celtic Pride, Irish folk groups Cu Chulainn and Usnagh and singer Malachi Cush, Ulster comedy group Clubsound and Dance DJ Micky Modelle