Arista

Arista on vinyl: Clive Davis’ label

In short: Clive Davis, previously head of Columbia, founded Arista in New York in 1974 from the label Bell Records. He had a feel for stars: Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and later Whitney Houston. Our focus is on funk, disco and soul. The Vinyl Room currently has 36 Arista records.

From our stock

Arista first pressings

Funk & disco

Soul & jazz

New in

→ Funk · Disco · Soul & funk on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing

What makes Arista special?

As early as 1975 Arista signed Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson – we have “From South Africa To South Carolina”, “Secrets” and “Reflections”. Patti Smith released “Horses” here; we have “Dream Of Life”.

Funk and disco come from Mandrill (“We Are One”), Ray Parker Jr. and Galaxy, plus organist Larry Young with “Larry Young’s Fuel” and Patrice Rushen. Later came hip hop and R&B – in our stock OutKast with “Speakerboxxx / The Love Below” and Babyface. In the late seventies the German Ariola group took over the label; later it belonged to BMG and Sony.

FAQ

Who founded Arista? Clive Davis, in New York in 1974.

Where does the name Arista come from? From the Arista honor society at Clive Davis’ school in New York.

Does Arista still exist? Yes – after a break of several years the label was revived in 2018; it belongs to Sony Music.

What music do you have on Arista? Funk, disco and soul, plus jazz, rock and hip hop – 36 records in all.