Capitol Records

According to legend the design of this building is meant to represent a stack of records. Inside the lobby is an astounding array of gold records, spanning the entire history of rock and roll and the amazing roster of recording artists that have been represented on the Capitol label.

Capitol Records was the first record company based on the West Coast, and has promoted such acts as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, Bob Seger, Duran Duran, Bonnie Raitt, Robbie Robertson, Steve Miller, Linda Ronstadt and Tina Turner.

The mural facing the parking lot is a beautiful photo op. Capitol has promotional events for their artists at this location regularly.

The former president of Capitol Records, Alan Livingston had the idea of having the light on top of the building send out a signal in Morse code. The word chosen for this secret message was “Hollywood.” When the building opened in 1956, Samuel Morse’s granddaughter Leila Morse had the honor of turning the light on.

In 1992 it was changed to read “Capitol 50” in honor of the label’s fiftieth anniversary. Prior to an album release by Katy Perry, it was changed to “Katy Perry. Prism. October 22, 2013.” It’s unlikely anyone noticed the change. It has since returned to spelling “Hollywood.”

Notable Recordings made at Capitol Records:

In The 80’s by Graham Nash
Sexy Eyes by Dr. Hook
Destination Unknown by Missing Persons
She’s A Beauty by The Tubes
Your Saving Grace by Steve Miller
Motels by Motels
Levon Helm by Levon Helm
The Band by The Band
Stage Fright by The Band
Music From Big Pink by The Band
My Sharona by The Knack 
All Summer Long by The Beach Boys
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Shady Grove by Quicksilver Messenger Service
We’re An American Band by Grand Funk

Capitol Records
1750 Vine Street
Los Angeles CA 90028

Capitol Records