Artists Rejected by Apple Records: A Look at Lost Opportunities

Apple Records, the subsidiary record label founded by The Beatles, attracted many hopeful artists in the late 1960s. However, not all of them were accepted. This article explores some notable artists who sought to join Apple Records but were ultimately rejected, and how the music industry's competitive landscape of the era impacted their fate.

1. Rejected by Apple Records

Several notable artists sought to join Apple Records but were ultimately rejected. Here are a few:

David Bowie

David Bowie attempted to sign with Apple Records and was turned down. However, this rejection led him to explore other opportunities and found success with other labels. Bowie's unique style and experimental nature earned him a place in music history, far beyond what he could have achieved with Apple Records.

James Taylor

James Taylor had a demo that was considered by Apple but was not signed. He was eventually signed by Warner Bros. and went on to achieve significant success. Taylor's soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics made him one of the most influential folk rock artists of his time.

Badfinger

Badfinger was initially rejected by Apple Records. However, they eventually became one of Apple's most successful acts. Their journey to success highlights the competitive nature of the music industry during that era. Despite the initial rejection, they persevered and achieved greatness.

The Blackberries

This all-female group recorded demos for Apple but were ultimately not signed. Their story is a reminder that many talented artists were overlooked during the era of Apple Records.

Billy Preston

Although Billy Preston worked with The Beatles and was signed to Apple, he was initially hesitant about the fit with the label. The Beatles sometimes had mixed feelings about their signings, often picking artists who were longshots or even of questionable merit, as evidenced by their interest in David Peel.

Missed Opportunities

Unfortunately, Apple Records passed on some artists who would go on to achieve tremendous success:

Crosby, Stills and Nash

Crosby, Stills, and Nash were very interested in signing with Apple Records but it didn't pan out. These acoustic folk rock pioneers could have potentially redefined the label's image. Their music, particularly during the '70s, redefined hard rock and dominated the pop charts. Had they signed with Apple Records, history might have looked very different.

Led Zeppelin

Engineer Glyn Johns played George Harrison the unreleased and unsigned band, Led Zeppelin. Harrison, though initially unimpressed, later came around and signed with Apple Records. If Apple had signed Led Zeppelin, they would have likely redefined hard rock and built a legacy unlike any other band in the 1970s. However, history tells a different story, as Led Zeppelin was signed too late by Apple.

Conclusion

In the competitive music industry of the late 1960s, Apple Records faced challenges in signing and nurturing promising artists. While some like Mary Hopkins and Badfinger eventually found success, many others, including Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Led Zeppelin, were missed opportunities.

Despite the rejections, these artists played significant roles in shaping the music industry. Understanding the missed opportunities can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the music business during that period.