George Harrison's Legal Battle with Dark Horse Records: A Look Back at the Turbulent Relationship
George Harrison faced legal troubles with his record label, Dark Horse Records, which was established under parent company A&M in 1974. The relationship between Harrison and A&M soured, leading to a lawsuit in 1976. Despite Harrison's astonishment and sadness at the lawsuit, A&M felt it was necessary due to the deteriorating situation. The label co-founder, Jerry Moss, expressed disappointment in the quality of albums produced by Dark Horse Records while Harrison was busy with other commitments.
Harrison, juggling his solo career, touring, and label responsibilities, delegated tasks to others, causing A&M to believe that the quality of the albums suffered. Moss mentioned that the records weren't up to par, leading to a strained relationship between Harrison and A&M. As tensions rose, Harrison began exploring distribution options with Warner Bros, ultimately leading to a lawsuit from A&M against Harrison and Dark Horse Records.
The legal battle between Harrison and A&M resulted in a settlement where Harrison paid $4 million to the record label. Subsequently, he released his first album through Warner Bros in 1976. Despite the settlement, Harrison's experience with Dark Horse Records left a bitter taste, prompting him to distance himself from the record label business. He expressed frustration with artists' demands and the challenges of running a record company, leading him to let his contract with Warner Bros expire in 1994.
In conclusion, George Harrison's venture into the record label business with Dark Horse Records ended in legal disputes and financial settlements. His experience with the label highlighted the challenges and frustrations of managing artists and running a record company, ultimately leading him to step away from the business.