Qwest Records is the American record label started by Quincy Jones in 1980 as a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records, and owned by Warner Music Group. although Jones was still under contract with A&M records through 1981. George Benson's 1980 Give Me the Night LP was the first release on Qwest, although this release was shared with Warner Bros. Records, where George was under contract. One of the first artists signed to Qwest was goddaughter Patti Austin, producing Every Home Should Have One in 1981.
Although it focused on the R&B market primarily, its most notable signings were Frank Sinatra (whom Jones produced in the 1960s), Tevin Campbell, Radiance, and British post-punk groups New Order and Joy Division.
| “ | I'm so honored that New Order picked my label to go on in the US—it really flattered me. They're beautiful people. | ” |
Quincy Jones - NME - May 1990
The label also ventured into hip hop music during the 1990s. Qwest also discovered R&B artist Tamia, who enjoyed a long career. The gospel group the Winans signed with the label in 1985. Tata Vega was also signed and released Now I See through Qwest.
The joint venture was shut down in 2000, with Warner Bros. Records acquiring the remainder. The then-current roster was either absorbed by Warner Bros., dropped, or left in limbo. In 2006, select titles by Quincy Jones were licensed to Universal Music for distribution and re-pressed, but everything else remained at Warner Bros., including deleted titles. In 2010, it was confirmed on Quincy Jones's Web site that Qwest was reactivated and now distributed by Interscope Records.
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