Blue Note Records, established in 1939 by German-Jewish emigrants Alfred Lion and Max Margulis, is one of the most important jazz record labels in history. Originally focused on traditional jazz and swing, the label shifted to modern jazz around 1947. Now owned by Universal Music Group and operated under Capitol Music Group, Blue Note has been home to legendary artists like Art Blakey, Sidney Bechet, and countless jazz innovators, earning its reputation as 'The Finest in Jazz Since 1939.'