Collection: Columbia Parts

The Columbia Phonograph Company, founded in 1887 by stenographer Edward D. Easton, is one of the oldest names in the history of recorded sound. Originally a local subsidiary of the American Graphophone Company, Columbia started by selling and promoting phonographs and phonograph cylinders. It quickly distinguished itself with its commitment to technical innovation and its expansive catalog of recordings, ranging from classical and operatic pieces to popular music of the time. Columbia was instrumental in transitioning from cylinder recordings to flat disc records, a format that would dominate the industry for decades. The company's success and influence grew through the 20th century, especially with its iconic red label records. In 1931, it merged with the English Columbia Graphophone Company to form the Columbia Graphophone Company, which eventually became part of EMI. Later, Columbia's American operations were acquired by the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), solidifying its place as a major player in the global music industry.