Parlophone Records: Oldies, Pop, and Skiffle

Founded in the '20s and known in its early years for classy jazz releases, this British label moved into pop and rock in the '50s after hiring then-unknown producer George Martin. Martin's new direction tapped into the U.K.'s skiffle and rock 'n' roll scenes, which eventually helped to launch the British Invasion sound. Of course, his signing of a little group called The Beatles didn't hurt.