Ariana Grande, Bon Jovi, Drake, The Killers, Niki Minaj, Tame Impala… these are just a few of the hundreds of artists now represented by the legendary Island Records. Owned by Universal Music Group — the largest music company in the world — Island is just one of over a dozen labels operated by UMG, but its history has special meaning to music fans.
An Island Unto Itself
Like most other labels, Island Records was initially independent. Chris Blackwell founded the label in Jamaica and London in the 1960’s, working with local DJs and scouts to find the best young talent around. His especial focus at the time was the unique sounds coming out of Jamaica — in particular, reggae. Blackwell and Island Records played a huge role in creating the Bob Marley legend as we know it today. With a strong vision, he elevated reggae from a niche music genre to a global movement — with Bob front an center.
Before he met Bob Marley, however, Blackwell signed the Spencer Davis Group, a young rock band fronted by a teenage Steve Winwood. They proceeded to knock the Beatles off number one with their Blackwell-produced, bass-heavy rendition of ‘Keep On Running’. They soon evolved into the better-known band Traffic, and Island Records blossomed into one of the world’s premier independent labels.
Some of Chris’ other incredible projects? In 1980, he saw U2 in a tiny London pub and signed them on the spot. Meanwhile, at Island’s studios in the Bahamas, fashion model Grace Jones had gathered with the cream of reggae, rock and electronic musicians – all chosen by Blackwell – to embark upon one of the most extraordinary albums trilogies of all-time: Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing and Living My Life.
A Stable Of Talent
Along with the aforementioned artists, Island Record’s early roster included:
- U2
- Cat Stevens
- Roxy Music
- Nick Drake
- Tom Waits
- Free
- The B-52’s
- John Martyn
- Jimmy Cliff
- The Slits
- Mott The Hoople
- Marianne Faithfull
All of these legendary artists and many more. While it started small, it eventually had become this diverse stable of world-class talent.
A Legacy Worth Remembering
With Island Records, Chris Blackwell established the template that other record labels could only aspire to — personally signing, guiding and producing some of the greatest and most creative artists of all time. He sold his stake in 1989 and would go on to try his hand at other ventures like filmmaking, hotel development and more. Nevertheless, Chris is a music industry pioneer with an eye (and an ear) for talent like few others.
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