As the Sixties progressed, the Mercury label became known for more popular mainstream repertoire with releases from The Platters, Shangri-Las, Dee Dee Warwick and Miriam Makeba - and again in the Seventies with artists that included Rod Stewart, 10cc, Van Morrison, New York Dolls and the Steve Miller Band.

 

Without any warning... a surprise hit in 1972 was by country singer Faron Young with 'Four In The Morning'.

 

An outstandingly well produced single 'I'm Not In Love' was released by 10cc in 1975 which quickly topped the charts.

 

Another of the label's most memorable acts was The Village People, with two enormous hits, 'Y.M.C.A.' and 'In The Navy' achieving legendary popularity in 1978-1979 and still being played at every disco and dance today.

 

As a promotional gimmick in March 1978, Mercury issued a square pressing of a 45rpm disc by Richard Myhill, 'It Takes Two To Tango'. This was recorded at his Utopia Studios by Phil Wainman who also co-wrote the song.

 

Harry Nilsson recorded his very last album for the Mercury label in 1979 entitled Flash Harry which included his version of Eric Idle's 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life'.

 

The '80s and '90s were particularly successful for Mercury which had become the parent company Phonogram's prime label. The Boomtown Rats, fronted by Bob Geldof, switched to Mercury after initial success with Nigel Grainge's Ensign label. Canadian rock band Rush initially recorded on Mercury, before switching to Vertigo, Their album sales were huge.

 

Mercury was also the chosen label for Band Aid's massive selling charity single release, 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' in 1984.

 

Swing Out Sister was another very popular group at Phonogram - their first four hits were on Mercury before switching to the Fontana label. The group started out as a trio: Andy Connell (keyboards), Martin Jackson (drums) and Corinne Drewery on vocals. Their hits include 'Breakout' and 'Surrender', followed by their first album 'It's Better To Travel' which was enthusiastically received and reached the number one spot in the charts. But shortly afterwards, Martin Jackson left the band in the middle of recording Swing Out Sister's second album, 'Kaleidoscope World'.

 

Between 1986 and 1997 Mercury's most successful act was Australian rock band INXS ('Need You Tonight') selling vast amount of singles and albums.

 

The Swiss electronic duo Yello had a number of chart successes, including one with Shirley Bassey entitled 'The Rhythm Divine' - but their biggest hit was 'The Race' in 1988 which featured in the film, "Nuns On The Run". American group Ugly Kid Joe had success with several releases in the 1990s - as did the American pop rock band Hanson with their first release which became a no. 1 hit in 1997 with 'Mmmbop'. Several other successful singles by Hanson followed.

 

Other British successful artists who recorded for Mercury during the 1980's and 1990's include: Dexy's Midnight Runners, ('Come On Eileen'), Tears For Fears, Teardrop Explodes, Mission, Big Country, Texas ('I Don't Want A Lover'), Let Loose ('Crazy for You'), Adventures of Stevie V ('Dirty Cash'), All About Eve and Curiosity Killed The Cat.