Tony Stratton-Smith

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Tony Stratton-Smith (1933-1987) was an English rock music manager, and entrepreneur. He was best known as founder of London based Charisma Records which he began in 1969. Charisma was one of the most influential independent record labels of the 1970's. Groups he managed included The Nice (featuring keyboard player Keith Emerson), Bonzo Dog Band and Van der Graaf Generator. In 1970 he signed the progressive rock band Genesis onto his record and management companies, and released Trespass, the band's sophomore album. Genesis became the label's most successful group. Charisma ceased most operations in 1979 and was sold to Virgin Records in 1983. Virgin re-activated the Charisma name with a new logo for a short time during the late 1980's.

"Strat" as he was known to his friends was famous for his sense of humour and flair for promotion. With an ear for unusual and highly creative talent he made Charisma very successful especially in its early years. Though usually known as "Charisma Records", the company also promoted itself as "The Famous Charisma Label." His sense of humour was often reflected in promotional materials and record label art. Stratton-Smith released many records by Monty Python and helped to finance the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Other important artists Stratton-Smith was closely associated with include Atomic Rooster, Audience, Brand X, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Peter Hammill, Lindisfarne, Julian Lennon, and Rare Bird. In the United States, Charisma Records recordings were often licenced to other labels such as ABC Records (including subsidiary lables Dunhill Records & Probe Records), Elektra Records, Buddha Records, Atlantic Records, Mercury Records, and Arista Records. Many Charisma Records recordings are now owned by EMI.