LONDON – Universal Music U.K. is reviving the legendary jazz imprint Fontana, the company announced on Thursday (Sept. 25).
Fontana, which was founded more than 70 years ago by the Dutch multinational company Philips, distributed music by Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Dave Brubeck and Art Blakey in the U.K. Universal has dubbed the returning imprint as “the new home of jazz, folk, blues, alternative and soul in the U.K.”
Tom Lewis, previously co-president of Decca Records, has been named the sole president of Fontana. Its initial roster consists of former Decca signees Jacob Collier, AURORA, Jeff Goldblum, Jordan Rakei, Melody Gardot, Victor Ray, The Teskey Brothers and dodie.
Established in 1954, Fontana also distributed British jazz musicians Tubby Hayes, Cleo Laine and Ronnie Scott. In later years, it was home to formative releases by Jimmy Page, Elton John (with his Bluesology band) and an early iteration of The Who.
Fontana had five U.K. No. 1 hits, most famously with The Spencer Davis Group (“Keep On Running”) and Manfred Mann (“Mighty Quinn”). Universal Music U.K. first assumed ownership of the label in 1999.
Following Lewis’ departure, Decca Records will double down on its success in the classical and ambient genres while also focusing on film, TV and gaming soundtracks. Laura Monks, who shared the title of co-president with Lewis, will assume the role of president and oversee Decca Records, Decca Classics, Mercury KX and Hyperion, with artists including Ludovico Einaudi, Andrea Bocelli, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Lise Davidsen, Yunchan Lim and Max Richter. Upcoming releases on the label will include Richter’s score for the Paul Mescal-starring Hamnet and Paddington The Musical.
Dickon Stainer, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music U.K., said in a statement: “These changes reflect our commitment to supporting artistic excellence in these great genres of music. I’m delighted to see Tom and Laura shaping the future of both labels, and opening new avenues of discovery for artists and fans across the world.”