Omnivore Recordings Strengthens Legacy with Acquisition of Chariot Records Catalog
As Omnivore Recordings marks its 15th anniversary, the reissue label has announced the acquisition of the catalog from Baltimore’s Chariot Records. This label, active during the mid-1960s and 1970s, is known for producing regional hits, including singles by Bob Brady and the Con Chords.
Details of the Acquisition
While the terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, this marks Omnivore’s third label catalog acquisition since its inception. The company, distributed by ADA, previously acquired Ru-Jac Records, an R&B label from the mid-1960s, and Nighthawk Records, a roots reggae label from the 1980s. Both of these labels had ceased operations.
Omnivore’s Diverse Catalog
Founded by music industry veterans Cheryl Pawelski, Brad Rosenberger, Dutch Cramblitt, and Greg Allen, Omnivore’s catalog primarily consists of licensed masters from well-known legacy artists. Notable names include America, The Bangles, The Beach Boys, Kool & The Gang, Peggy Lee, Little Richard, Nina Simone, and Woody Guthrie, as detailed on the company’s website.
Rosenberger noted that while Omnivore is often seen as a reissue company, approximately 50% of their releases are new, either previously unreleased music or new compilations. The first release from the Chariot Records acquisition was a compilation titled Love In: The Chariot Records Recordings, which coincided with this year’s Record Store Day in April.
Industry Connections
The deal was facilitated by music supervisor Allan Mason and Brent Gordon, a principal of Chariot Records, who has had a long career in the music industry, including time at WEA after Chariot ceased operations.
In another example of Omnivore’s commitment to preserving music history, the label packaged four Ru-Jac titles into a CD box set titled The Should Of Baltimore: The Ru-Jac Records Story 1963-1980. This set includes compilations of significant artists from the label.
Future Plans and Acquisitions
Omnivore continues to seek catalog acquisitions, focusing on smaller labels that align with their available capital and expertise. Pawelski expressed the intention to find more smaller labels to acquire and preserve, emphasizing the company’s role as a custodian of music history.
Rosenberger and Pawelski acknowledged the increasing competition from new financial entities acquiring catalogs. However, they believe that their expertise in audio and art restoration, as well as synchronization licensing, can provide valuable partnerships for financial buyers.
Grammy Recognition
Omnivore has received three Grammy nominations for its reissues, including two wins for Pawelski for best historical album: It’s Such A Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers and the Hank Williams compilation The Garden Spot Programs. Outside of Omnivore, Pawelski has also won two additional Grammys for other historical albums.
For further details on this acquisition, visit Billboard.
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Published on 2026-06-08 22:02:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk