The History of Decca Records: 90 Years of Musical Greatness

A Supreme Legacy: The Birth of Decca Records

Decca Records officially came into being on 28 February 1929, founded in Britain with the ambition of bringing music to a rapidly changing world. Over the decades, it grew from a thriving British company into a true international recording powerhouse, earning the nickname “The Supreme Record Company.”

From the start, Decca became synonymous with excellence and diversity in music. The label’s catalogue reads like a who’s who of 20th-century talent — from Luciano Pavarotti to David Bowie, Dame Vera Lynn to Bing Crosby, Tom Jones to Billie Holiday, and The Rolling Stones to Mantovani.

Decca’s current President, Rebecca Allen, summed up the label’s enduring spirit:

“Decca Records has been the soundtrack to many historical and cultural moments… Even as we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we continue to push the boundaries and seek out artists who stand out from the crowd.”

Discovering Decca: A Personal Journey Through Vinyl

My own introduction to Decca Records came at around the age of six, when I first delved into my parents’ treasured 7-inch vinyl collection. Among the colourful 1960s labels was one that stood out — a royal blue disc bearing the unmistakable voice of a Welsh singer named Tom Jones.

Every time his voice rang from the old Dansette record player, my mum would swoon. The record was Decca’s very own, and the song was “Delilah.” Soon, I discovered more Tom Jones classics — “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “Not Responsible.” Even as a child, I noticed that the Decca Records label meant quality.

Years later, when I learned that The Rolling Stones shared the same label as Tom Jones, I couldn’t understand why my parents weren’t Stones fans too. There’s no accounting for taste.

By 1974, my passion for music had fully blossomed. Sunday evenings meant tuning in to BBC Radio 1’s Solid Gold Sixty, recording the charts on my Decca Radio Cassette Recorder (a birthday gift from Dad). For me, the Decca circle of music was complete.

The Artists That Defined Decca Records

Throughout its long and varied history, Decca has represented artists across genres — pop, classical, rock, and jazz. It has launched careers, preserved historic performances, and shaped music culture across nine decades.

🎶 Top 20 Best Songs Recorded on Decca and Deram Records

  1. The Rolling Stones – Paint It Black (1966)

  2. Tom Jones – Delilah (1968)

  3. The Rolling Stones – Satisfaction (1965)

  4. The Casuals – Jesamine (1968)

  5. Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale (1967)

  6. Alan Price – Put a Spell on You (1966)

  7. The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter

  8. Tom Jones – It’s Not Unusual (1965)

  9. The Moody Blues – Nights in White Satin (1968)

  10. Frijid Pink – House of the Rising Sun (1970)

  11. Lulu – Shout (1965)

  12. The Rolling Stones – She’s a Rainbow (1967)

  13. Neil Reid – Mother of Mine (1972)

  14. The Rolling Stones – Sympathy for the Devil (1969)

  15. Marianne Faithfull – As Tears Go By (1965)

  16. Cat Stevens – Matthew and Son (1967)

  17. The Zombies – She’s Not There (1964)

  18. Tom Jones – What’s New Pussycat? (1966)

  19. Honeybus – I Can’t Let Maggie Go (1968)

  20. Junior Campbell – Hallelujah Freedom (1972)

Decca at 90: Celebrating a Century of Sound

To mark its 90th anniversary in 2019, Decca Records celebrated in true style with a series of events, releases, and exhibitions across Europe. Highlights included:

  • “The Supreme Record Company: The Story of Decca Records 1929–2019” — a lavishly illustrated book chronicling Decca’s remarkable journey.

  • “Pavarotti” Feature Film — a full-length documentary directed by Ron Howard, celebrating Decca’s most famous classical voice.

  • V&A Celebration — London’s Victoria & Albert Museum hosted a Decca Day filled with live performances and family activities.

  • Reissues and Rarities — 90 physical and digital releases dropped monthly throughout the year, reviving the spirit of the label.

  • Exclusive Performances — concerts in London, Berlin, and Paris featuring Decca artists such as Fieh, Jess Gillam, J.S. Ondara, and Imelda May.

  • Record Store Day 2019 — special vinyl releases honoured the independent record shops that helped Decca’s legacy thrive.

  • Restored Bowie Videos — six early David Bowie clips from the Deram era were remastered in HD and released monthly.

The Enduring Spirit of Decca Records

From its 1929 beginnings to its 90th-anniversary celebrations, Decca Records has remained one of the most influential labels in music history. Its catalogue reflects the evolution of modern sound, its artists have defined generations, and its legacy continues to inspire new talent today.

For many — myself included — Decca is more than just a record label. It’s a soundtrack to life’s milestones, a connection between generations, and proof that great music truly stands the test of time.

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