The Embryo Label was owned by Herbie Mann and distributed by the Atlantic subsidiary Cotillion. The 520 series was a jazz series, the 730 series was FM-rock, and the label issued one original cast album in the 1000 series.

The jazz series understandably lasted the longest, from 1970 to 1977. The 730 rock series lasted less than a year and issued only five albums. Two of these, however, are connected to a minor 1969 hit on the vanguard Apostolic label, "Witchi Tai-To" by a group called Everything Is Everything. Based on an old Native American chant, "Witchi Tai-To" was penned by Jim Pepper, who performed on the hit version. Everything Is Everything was a loose conglomeration of musicians led by Chris Hills and Danny Weiss, with keyboards by Lee Reinoehl. Both Jim Pepper and Chris Hills (with Reinoehl) had albums on Embryo in 1971, but neither sold well. In fact, it was Chris Hills' album that "put the plug in the jug" on the Embryo Rock series.

The first Embryo label was tan with black printing. "EMBRYO" in black above the center hole. Around the perimeter of the label are 8 green and orange circles. At the bottom of the label is "DIST. BY COTILLION DIV. OF ATLANTIC RECORDING CORP. 1841 B'WAY, N.Y., N.Y." After the long hiatus in the 520 jazz series, by 1977 the label had changed colors to a blue background, with a similar design. The promotional labels were white with black print.

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 Atlantic Records. 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 2000 by Mike Callahan.