Paragon sold its interest to Zondervan in 1983, where under the leadership of Bob Jones, Jr. saw the Benson company grow even bigger in the 1980s.

Artists included Gold City, The Kingsmen Quartet, DeGarmo & Key, Dallas Holm, and others producing several hits.

[1] In the 1980s, Benson Records continued with success by signing a contract to distribute a new label, founded by Dan R Brock, Eddie DeGarmo, Dana Key and Ron W. Griffin.

In 1996, Forefront Records was sold to EMI (now Universal Music Group), and this acquisition includes the entire DeGarmo & Key catalog.

In 1995, they acquired Diadem Music Group which included GospelJazz pioneer Ben Tankard's Tribute Records label contracts.