Fontana Records


Fontana Records is a record label that started in the 1950s as a subsidiary of the Dutch Philips Records. Fontana Distribution, an independent label distributor, takes its name from the label.

History

Fontana began in the 1950s as a subsidiary of the Dutch Philips Records; when Philips restructured its music operations, it dropped Fontana in favor of Vertigo Records.
Fontana's U.S. counterpart label was started in 1964 and distributed by Philips US subsidiary Mercury Records. The initial single release was an instrumental track with a wild teen beat by famed British session drummer Bobby Graham, both sides featuring Jimmy Page on guitar. Among the hitmakers were Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders, The Troggs, The New Vaudeville Band, Manfred Mann, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, and Steam.
In 2009, the label released Brooke Hogan's album.

U.S. label variations

  • 1964—Pink label
  • 1965-1970—Light blue or slightly darker-toned blue label
  • 1980s—Black and silver label