The Orchard Captures the 'Fania Sound' And Begins Digital Distribution Of Famed Salsa Label

New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Emusica) - The Orchard, a leading digital distributor and marketer of independent music, today announced the signing of an exclusive U.S. marketing and distribution deal with Miami based Emusica Entertainment Group for the legendary Fania label.

Founded in New York City in 1964 and acquired by Emusica in 2005, the influential and historic Fania label transcended the boundaries of traditional Latin music, and for four decades, defined the genres of salsa, boogaloo, Latin R&B, and Afro-Cuban jazz. The peerless Fania catalogue of over 1,300 albums and more than 40 best selling artists includes the iconic Johnny Pacheco, Larry Harlow, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and the "supergroup" The Fania All Stars.

"With a great music brand such as Fania we knew we needed a digital partner who understood the value of our music to our fans," said Emusica's President and CEO Stuart Livingston. "We were impressed with The Orchard's experience in working with other great catalogues as well as its digital marketing and merchandising team," Livingston added.

Since acquiring Fania, Emusica has re-mastered the label's catalogue, which is being re-issued using acclaimed artwork produced during the 70's by Izzy Sanabria, Fania's (then) in-house graphic artist, whose design concepts were central to the label's compelling style and branding.

"We welcome Emusica and Fania to The Orchard as they join other leading independents from around the world, said Greg Scholl, President and Chief Executive of The Orchard. We are looking forward to focusing our marketing, promotion and selling strengths to the historic Fania catalogue as it is an honor to work such iconic and groundbreaking recordings."

Against the backdrop of the Héctor Lavoe biopic "El Cantante," starring Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony and slated for an August 3rd opening, The Orchard is releasing Héctor Lavoe's "El Cantante - The Originals" and "A Man and his Music - Héctor Lavoe La Voz." Both albums are supported by a major digital retail, mobile and new media campaign designed and executed by The Orchard that will run from July through August. Other aspects of The Orchard's Fania launch campaign continue through the summer featuring album releases from Willie Colón, La Lupe, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, The Fania All Stars, Ray Barretto, Joe Bataan, Tito Puente, and Eddie Palmieri.