They're Baaaack

On the heels of long-mothballed CBS Records' revival (as a new-school, digital-only label) comes the announcement that Island Def Jam is giving new life to the Mercury imprint. Founded in 1945, Mercury has been home to Sarah Vaughan, the Platters, and Louis Armstrong as well as latter-day success stories John Mellencamp, Rod Stewart, Kiss, and Rush. The label fell through the cracks of the Seagram's/Polygram merger in 1999, although it continued to operate overseas. Former Sony exec David Massey will helm the U.S. operation. No word yet on new signings or upcoming releases.