In 1980, Paragon Associates formed a partnership with Zondervan to own/operate Benson Records. Paragon Assoc. was founded in 1975, by Bob MacKenzie and Bill Gaither (gospel singer). Paragon sold its interest to Zondervan in 1983, where under the leadership of Bob Jones, Jr. saw the Benson company grow even bigger in the 1980s. Artists included Gold City, The Kingsmen Quartet, DeGarmo & Key, Dallas Holm, and others producing several hits.[1]
In the 1980s, Benson Records continued with success by signing a contract to distribute a new label, founded by Dan R Brock, Eddie DeGarmo, Dana Key and Ron W. Griffin. Forefront Records was born, and in 1989 Dc Talk was signed. In 1996, Forefront Records was sold to EMI (now Universal Music Group), and this acquisition includes the entire DeGarmo & Key catalog. On July 27, 1993, Benson Music Group distributed the christian children's music series Kids Classics with the first six titles including Bible Songs, Action Bible Songs, Sunday School Songs, Songs of Praise, Silly Songs, and Lullabies. In 1994, the name Impact Records was sold to Landmark Distribution. On July 26, 1994, Benson Music Group released two new Kids Classics including Toddler Tunes and Hymns. On November 1, 1994, Kids Classics changed the new name into Cedarmont Kids. In 1995, they acquired Diadem Music Group which included GospelJazz pioneer Ben Tankard's Tribute Records label contracts. These contracts included Tankard, Yolanda Adams, Twinkie Clark and Bob Carlisle. Carlisle is best known for his hit song, "Butterfly Kisses".
Benson Records was sold to Provident/Zomba in 1997,[2] which is now a part of Sony Music Entertainment. The Benson label was reformatted to focus on new artists.[1] Zomba closed the label in late 2001.
Most recently, the name Heart Warming Records and RiverSong was sold to Homeland Entertainment. Homeland is owned by Bill Traylor and former President of Zondervan, Bob Jones, Jr.
Benson's choral music printing business is now owned by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, whose Celebrating Grace subsidiary acquired its assets from Universal Music Group..
