Label started by Doug Morris and Dick Vanderbilt in 1970. Originally pressed and distributed by Ampex Records but switched distribution to Bell Records in 1972 and again to Atlantic two years later.

Stopped releasing new material in 1979; the biggest-selling Big Tree LPs remained in WEA's catalog until 1983 after which the entire Big Tree catalog was absorbed by Atlantic.

The label's biggest stars included Lobo (3), Brownsville Station, Dave and Ansil Collins, Hot, April Wine, Hot Chocolate and the soft-rock duo [a398436].