Having started Virgin as a mail order record retailer in 1970, Richard founded Virgin Records. After the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, released 'Tubular Bells', Virgin Records went on to sign household names from the Sex Pistols to The Rolling Stones.

How did Branson start Virgin Airlines?

1972–1980: Founding of Virgin Records

In 1972, using money earned from his record store, Branson launched the record label Virgin Records with Nik Powell. The name "Virgin" was suggested by one of Branson's early employees because they were all new at business.

Why did Richard Branson create Virgin Atlantic?

Branson parlayed it into Virgin Records, the home of acts like the Sex Pistols, Peter Gabriel and more. In 1984, he co-founded what became Virgin Atlantic to challenge British Airways in the field of long-haul passenger air travel. ... Branson's penchant for highflying pursuits like skydiving and hot-air ballooning.