Record Label
Label launched by [[label: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 [[label:Epic]] outside of the US, it later expanded to other US labels. In September 1964, PPI's US affiliate, [[label: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 [[label: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 (4)]. 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).