1950s thumb|Columbia used this label for its 45 r.p.m. records from 1951 until 1958. thumb|Transitional 1955 promo 45 r.p.m. label showing both the old notes and mike and new walking eye logos In 1951, Columbia US began issuing records in the 45 rpm format RCA Victor had introduced two years earlier. The same year, Ted Wallerstein retired as Columbia Records chairman; and Columbia US also severed its decades-long distribution arrangement with EMI and signed a distribution deal with Philips Records to market Columbia recordings outside North America. EMI continued to distribute Okeh and later Epic label recordings until 1968. EMI also continued to distribute Columbia recordings in Australia and New Zealand. American Columbia was not happy with EMI's reluctance to introduce long playing records.
1950s thumb|Columbia used this label for its 45 r.p.m. records from 1951 until 1958. thumb|Transitional 1955 promo 45 r.p.m. label showing both the old notes and mike and new walking eye logos In 1951, Columbia US began issuing records in the 45 rpm format RCA Victor had introduced two years earlier. The same year, Ted Wallerstein retired as Columbia Records chairman; and Columbia US also severed its decades-long distribution arrangement with EMI and signed a distribution deal with Philips Records to market Columbia recordings outside North America EMI continued to distribute Okeh and later Epic label recordings .until 1968. EMI also continued to distribute Columbia recordings in Australia and New Zealand. American Columbia was not happy with EMI's reluctance to introduce long playing records.