About
Label launched by Philips Phonografische Industrie (PPI) in 1956 in France as a variety label. Currently active as a jazz and pop label under [L=Universal Music UK]. A logo change occurred in 1957. It was launched in the UK in 1958. initially used to market recordings licensed from Epic outside of the US, it later expanded to other US labels. In September 1964, PPI's US affiliate, Mercury Record Corporation, introduced the label in the US for international recordings, although it eventually became a mainstream pop label. In 2013, Fontana's independent circuit was sold off to Ingrooves, leaving Fontana Records separate. The label was revived in 2025 along with a restructure of [L=Universal Music UK]'s labels. It serves as the UK home for Universal Music’s affiliated jazz labels [L=Blue Note], [L=Verve Records], and [L=Impulse!]. Their roster also includes pop artists who moved from [L=Decca] in the same label restructure. The label is currently managed by [A=Tom Lewis]. Label Code: LC 0211 The 7-digit numerical catalogue numbers were introduced in April 1970. Any item with such a number is after that date. Printing dates on French EPs of the late 50s/60s appear as "MY" or "MMY" (e.g. "81" = August 1961; "118" = November 1958).
Sub-labels
Colombia De Oro
Colombian series of Fontana
L'amour De L'art
Series on the Fontana label used on French releases. (Similar to the series "[l=Musical Palette]"). See also: "[l=Masters Of Art (2)]" (UK releases) and "[l=Galerie Der Meister]" (German relea...
Sindbad (2)
Radioplay series in 8 parts released on LP and cassette
Beliebte Klänge Grosser Meister
Classical series.
Surprise Partie (5)
Surprise Partie French serie of Fontana
2 Sprookjes
Belgian 7" series with 2 fairy tales per record and the text in the flip cover, 1960s. Narrated by [a1580507] and [a1580508].
Die Welt Der Stars & Hits
Die Brüder Löwenherz (2)
German 2part radio play series based on the book of [a431295], around 1975. Scriptwriter and director was [a431254]. Re-released as double CD in 2006: [r3375087]
Série "Musique De Chambre"
Series for French Fontana releases. Parent series of "[l2364520]" and "[l2364547]"
Chamber Music Series (5)
Series for Fontana releases. Parent series of "[l2363530]" and "[l2364547]"
Kammermusik-Serie (3)
Series for Fontana releases. Parent series of [l2364520] and [l2363530]
A Era De Ouro
Fontana's special series.
Fontana Special Enfants
Fontana Special Rire
Gloria Pilot Five
Gloria Five Pilot Series = 「グロリアパイロットファイブ」シリーズ The classical low-priced series released from Nippon Phonogram Co., Ltd., launched in the fall of 1970 in Japan. The price of all titles was initi...
Remember... (2)
ゴーゴー・モダン・ジャズ・シリーズ
or "Go -Go Modern Jazz Series" in English.
2x14 Hits Zum Tanzen
Series of [l=Fontana]
Family Favourites
Series with classical music
Collection Classiques 25