The Big Tree label started in 1970, by Doug Morris and Dick Vanderbilt. Morris is currently the head of Universal Music Group. Originally it was distributed by Ampex (better known for tape manufacture) for the first few albums, then in 1972 switched to Bell, then switched to Atlantic for distributorship around May, 1974. At that time, Morris left to work for Atlantic and Vanderbilt ran the label until 1984.

The label featured artists such as England Dan [Dan Seals] and John Ford Coley, Lobo, Brownsville Station, Hot, April Wine, and Hot Chocolate. By late 1979, the label had all but stopped releasing new material. The best selling Big Tree albums remained in the Warner- Elektra-Atlantic catalogs until the end of 1983, but by that time it was clear that the Big Tree was a dead tree.

There were four distinct labels. The first was used when Big Tree was distributed by Ampex. It had a red center with yellow half-circles at the top and bottom of the label. When distributed by Bell, the yellow half-circles at the top and bottom of the label changed to white. The deejay label was all white with black printing. The third label, corresponding to the early Atlantic-distributed issues, was a similar design, except instead of white semicircles, aqua blue was used. The last label design was started in 1976, and had a drawing of a bird and her chicks in a nest, with the mother bird feeding them a musical note.

We would appreciate any additions or corrections to this discography. Just send them to us via e-mail. Both Sides Now Publications is an information web page. We are not a catalog, nor can we provide the records listed below. We have no association with Big Tree Records, which is currently inactive. Should you be interested in acquiring albums listed in this discography (which are all out of print), we suggest you see our Frequently Asked Questions page and follow the instructions found there. This story and discography are copyright 1999, 2003 by Mike Callahan.