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Bellaphon Records is an independent German record label of Bellaphon records GmbH. The label produces its own artists and distributes those of other labels.

Recording artists

• Johnny Cash
• The Flippers
• Ganymed
• Geordie
• Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
• Fahrenheit 212 (de)
• Franz Lambert
• Limahl
• Merger
• Nektar
• Böhse Onkelz
• Suzi Quatro
• Ringo Starr
• Orion aka Jimmy Ellis

History

Bellaphon were founded in 1961 by Branislav "Branco" Zivanovic (1923–1993). The company is headquartered in Frankfurt.

Labels owned

In 1972, Bellaphon Records Riedel & Co. KG owned Bellaphon Records and Admiral Records.

Labels represented

In 1972, Bellaphon Records Riedel & Co. KG represented Musidisc (France); Orange and Reflection (both of the United Kingdom); Audio Fidelity, Bang, Brunswick, Cadet, Cadet/Concept, Casablanca, Checker, Chess, Fantasy/Galaxy, and Hot Wax (all of the United States); Janus and GRT (both of Canada).

Labels distributed

In 1982, Bellaphon Import was the distributor of 65 small German rock, pop, and jazz labels throughout West Germany. The labels included Bacillus and a popular jazz and blues label, L&R. Other notable labels distributed by Bellaphon included Concord and Enja.

Death of its founder

Branco Zivanovic died on May 29, 1993, in Frankfurt, while serving as President of Bellaphon. His widow, Jutta Zivanovic-Riedel, took over as head of the company. She reportedly did not have a good hand for this business and lost the distributed labels and nearly all the artists over the years. Only a few German schlager artists (e.g. Gaby Baginsky, Michael Morgan) and a few international artists (Olivia Newton-John, Graeham Goble) were left to distribute.

References

1. "Bellephon Parlays Motown Into Intl. License Lead," Billboard, May 8, 1982, pg. 63
2. "International Music-Record Directory," Billboard International Buyer's Guide, 1971–1972, pg. 306
3. "Exports Help Offset Drop in Domestic Sales," by Jim Sampson, Billboard, August 21, 1982, pps. 3 & 60
4. "Deaths – Branko Zivanovic," Billboard, June 19, 1993, pg. 80

External links

• bellaphon.de Official website
• Bellaphon discography at Discogs

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