DJM Records (also known as Dick James Music) was the record label set up in the 1970s by British music publisher, Dick James, distributed by Pye Records in the UK and various other companies around the world, including the USA.
The first release on the label was by Dave Sealy and entitled "It Takes A Thief", which had been adapted from the theme music from a popular television series for which a lyric was written. Frank Neilson was A&R manager from 1976 to 1979, before he moved to Polydor Records. Andy Stinton was Promotions Manager for several years before moving to Canada in 1980 to start his own communications company.
Elton John was very prominent on DJM, except in the US and Canada where he was signed to MCA Records. He switched in 1976 to his own Rocket Records, before later deciding to sue DJM in the 1980s over the rights to his earlier (pre-1976) work.
Other acts on the label in the 1970s included Ireland's Celtic rockers Horslips; Mr. Bloe, who included pianist Zack Laurence and harmonica player Harry Pitch; former Fleetwood Mac member Danny Kirwan, who recorded three albums for DJM, Second Chapter (1975), Midnight In San Juan (1976), and Hello There Big Boy! (1979); The Tremeloes, after their departure from CBS/Epic in 1974; singer-turned-actor Dennis Waterman; Johnny Guitar Watson, who had several successful singles and albums in the USA; and various session musicians who had worked with Elton John.
Roger Hodgson – prior to joining Supertramp – issued a U.K. single on DJM under the name "Argosy". This record was also released on Congress Records (a division of Kapp Records) in the U.S..
After Dick James' death in 1986, the DJM catalogue was acquired by PolyGram.
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“Better the rudest work that tells a story or records a fact, than the richest without meaning.”
—John Ruskin (1819–1900)