Alligator Records

Alligator Records is an American independent record label founded in Chicago in 1971 by Bruce Iglauer. The label has maintained a focused commitment to blues music, with activities centered on recording releases, artist promotion, and the management of a blues-oriented catalog. Unlike large diversified music groups, Alligator Records has built its identity around blues and related musical traditions, working primarily with blues musicians and bands. The company is recognized for helping bring blues recordings to wider audiences and is often regarded as one of the notable independent labels in the American blues field.

Alligator Records was established in Chicago in 1971 by Bruce Iglauer. From its beginning, the company focused on blues music and built its business around recording, releasing, and promoting blues artists. Its development differed from that of large labels covering many genres, as it continued to maintain a concentrated blues catalog and specialist identity. As music consumption expanded from physical formats to digital platforms, the label remained centered on blues recordings and artist-related assets. It has maintained a distinct position within American independent record publishing and the broader promotion of blues music.

• 1971

  Founding of the label

  [1]Alligator Records official websitealligator.com

  Bruce Iglauer founded Alligator Records in Chicago, establishing an independent record business centered on blues music.

American independent record label specializing in blues music

• 1971

  Blues recordings

  The core product of Alligator Records is its catalog of blues recordings, including artist albums and other recorded releases. This product line reflects the label’s long-term specialization in blues and is distributed through physical and digital channels.

1. 1Alligator Records official websitealligator.com