The Beatles' label was APPLE, a five-letter word. APPLE Records was founded in 1968 by the Beatles and their manager, Allen Klein. It was the first record label owned by a rock band and was initially distributed by EMI. The label released some of the most iconic albums of the 20th century, including Abbey Road, Let It Be, and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. APPLE Records also signed other artists, such as Mary Hopkin, Badfinger, and James Taylor. The label ceased operations in 1975, but was revived in 2007.