Columbia Records is an American record label founded in 1888 that was the first to produce pre-recorded records. It has released music by notable singers and bands and was acquired by Sony Music Entertainment in 1988. As of 2012, Columbia Records had 83 recording artists signed, making it the largest of Sony Music's three flagship labels, and features artists across various genres such as Adele, Beyoncé, and Paul McCartney. The document proposes that Columbia Records would be an ideal label for their artist interested in breaking into the American market, as it has helped British artists like Adele find success there.