Fontana Records
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Philips Records (branch) |
| Founded | 1950s |
| Fate | Phased out and replaced by Vertigo Records; re-established later |
Area served | Netherlands, United States |
| Products | Music recordings |
| Parent | Philips Records (originally) |
Fontana Records is a record company that originated in the 1950s as a branch of the Dutch Philips Records. The name for the independent label distributor, Fontana Distribution, is derived from this label.
History
Established in the 1950s as part of Philips Records, Fontana was eventually phased out when Philips reorganized and introduced Vertigo Records in its place. The American version of Fontana was inaugurated in 1964 and was distributed through Philips' U.S. division, Mercury Records. The label's debut single showcased British session drummer Bobby Graham alongside guitarist Jimmy Page. Among the prominent acts signed were Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders, The Troggs, Manfred Mann, and Steam. In 2009, Fontana issued an album by Brooke Hogan.
U.S. label variations
- 1964—Pink-colored label
- 1965–1970—Labels transitioning from light to dark blue, with some editions marked with an "S" stamp
- 1980s—Label featuring black and silver design
See also
References