Command

US label; also appears as "Command Records". The ABC Records logo has been associated to the Command logo in the late 60s. The brand became ABC Command in 1974. The Command (originally "Command Performance") label was started by Enoch Light and George Schwager in 1959. The label recorded popular, classical and jazz music and was acquired by ABC-Paramount (later ABC Records in October 1959 along with all of Light's labels (Grand Award, Waldorf Music Hall, Audition and Colortone). Command was operated as an audiophile record label producing records with exaggerated stereo separation. Light usually recorded on 35mm magnetic track film as opposed to tape, adding to the reputation for quality in the early days of the label. The albums were packaged in high quality gatefold covers with distinctive abstract designs by Josef Albers. Most of the Command Performances albums were manufactured by Grand Award Record Co., Inc., a manufacturing division of ABC Records. Enoch Light left the Command label in 1966 to form the Project 3 label. The quality of the Command LPs released after Light's departure deteriorated until ABC discontinued releasing new material on the label in 1970. The Command name was then used by ABC on quadrophonic LP releases from the ABC, Dunhill, Westminster Gold and Impulse catalogs from 1971 to 1977 and on double album compilations and special anthologies from Command's catalog until 1976, when the label was officially retired.