The Grand-daddy of British record labels, HMV, or His Masters Voice to give it it's full title started life in 1890 when the famous dog and trumpet logo started appearing on it's records. As a result of a business agreement with Emile Berliner in the 1890s, by the time the 1950s arrived, RCA artists were released in the UK on HMV, one of those being Elvis Presley. When this deal expired, HMV - which had always been primarily a classical label - created its own roster of pop acts which included Johnny Kidd and The Pirates, Manfred Mann and The Swinging Blue Jeans. The label itself followed the same format as other EMI labels Columbia and Parlophone. The 1950s style circular logo being replaced in 1962 with the one shown. The wording sold in the UK etc just above the centre hole was introduced on all EMI labels in 1964 and lasted until 1969. Back To Labels Main Page Back To My Generation Homepage The iconic HMV logo was originally a painting by artist Francis Barraud titled "His Master's Voice". The fox terrier named Nipper had originally belonged to Francis' late brother Mark, and he would listen intently to his former master's recorded voice emanate from the gramophone. Today gramophones may be found at specialty antique stores or possibly even some pawn shops NYC. Prints of the famous painting may be purchased in art stores or online as well. Barraud's work is one of the best known commercial logos in the world, and was used by RCA-Victor as well as HMV.