Founded in 1962 by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss. Over the years, A&M added speciality imprints, Omen Records (1964–1966) for soul, Horizon Records for jazz (1974–1978) and Vendetta Records (1988–1990) for dance.

A&M releases were issued in the UK by Pye Records until 1967. A&M Records, Ltd. was established in 1970 and distribution was still handled by other labels with a presence in Europe. In 1970 A&M Records of Canada, Ltd. was formed and A&M Records of Europe in 1977.

A&M has a long history of distributing records for other labels, including Dark Horse Records (1974–1976), I.R.S. Records (1979–1985), Windham Hill Records (and their subsidiary labels) (1982–1985), Gold Mountain Records (1983–1985), Exit Records (1983-1985), Word Records (and their subsidiary labels) (1985–1990), Cypress Records (1988–1990) and Perspective Records (1990–1996). A&M also distributed Ode Records internationally from 1970 to 1975 and Shelter Records in Great Britain.

A&M was sold to PolyGram in 1989. In 1993, unhappy with the increased integration of the label into the PolyGram corporate structure, Alpert and Moss left to start a new label, Almo Sounds.

In 1998, PolyGram merged with Universal Music Group and A&M was made part of the Interscope Records division, which also includes Geffen Records.