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As far as intriguing figures in the music industry go, Chris Blackwell is somewhere up there in the top 10. The founder of Island Records, which had its genesis in 1959 in Jamaica, Blackwell, who signed Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1973, at a crucial point in the band’s life, is acknowledged as one of the foremost persons who took reggae music to the global stage.
At the second annual Rolling Stone UK Awards at the Roundhouse, Camden, on November 28, Island Records was named Record Label of the Year. There were a total of 14 awards across the areas of music, film, and entertainment.
Island Records, which is home to a varied roster across the US and UK, was up against record labels including Sony Music, XL Recordings, Communion Music, Ninja Tune and Domino. The Rolling Stone award was accepted by Louis Bloom the label’s UK President, who stated the label’s mission “to sign true visionaries with exceptional talent”.
“Island Records played a pivotal role in the rise of reggae through artistes like Bob Marley. The label also diversified, supporting rock, pop, and alternative artistes, including U2, Grace Jones, and Amy Winehouse,” the Rolling Stone blurb stated in part.
An elated Chris Blackwell, as well as some of his Island Records associates, is seen in a video giving a short thank you speech.
“It’s been 65 yeas since I started Island Records, and it is still going strong. Louis, Steve, and the Island Records family ... congratulations. I can’t believe to tell you just how happy and proud I am of you all keeping Island Records alive. Thank you. One Love,” Blackwell said.
Scottish singer-songwriter, political activist and philanthropist Anne Lennox was a cheerleader for Island Records in the video. “I can honestly say that Island Records has been a joy to work with. I should know because I work with them and they are fantastic. I am so proud of you, I am so happy for you. Congratulations everybody!” Lennox stated.
Cedella Marley, the daughter of reggae King Bob Marley, and mother of Skip Marley, was also featured in the video.
“Island has always been very close and strong to our hearts, and as we look ahead to daddy’s 80th earthstrong next year, it’s great to know that the label is still all about true artistes and great music. Big up oonuself. One love,” was the statement from Cedella as she signed off with the message of peace, unity, respect, and universal love.
MESSAGE
The ‘One Love’ message continues to reverberate, especially in a year when the biopic B ob Marley: One Love had its global release to critical acclaim, and Music Inspired by the Film is up for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category.
One Love, the song, has an interesting history, starting out as a ska tune written by Bob Marley and recorded by the Wailers. It appears on their very first album, The Wailing Wailers (1965). In 1970, One Love was rerecorded as part of the medley All in One, which saw the group reworkings of their early ska songs into reggae. This was released as a single and is also included on the compilation African Herbsman under the name “All in One”.
According to Wikipedia, “The famous version of One Love that appears on their album Exodus was recorded in 1977 for Island Records under the title of One Love/People Get Ready. This version credits Curtis Mayfield (as Island Records wanted to avoid copyright problems), and it gives co-authorship credits to both Marley and Mayfield as it contains an interpolation of the Impressions’ song People Get Ready, written by Mayfield. As the main artiste, Marley and his group were credited as Bob Marley and the Wailers.”
Forty years ago, in April, 1984, it was released as a single to promote the greatest hits album, Legend.
“The single became one of his biggest hits and has been included on many of Marley and the Wailers subsequent compilation albums. The original recording of the song does not credit Mayfield’s song and is simply titled One Love. This is because copyright law was not enforced for Jamaican recordings at this time. The original song was published in the key of B major, but it has since been transposed, so it is in the key of C major. In 2007, the 1965 recording of One Love was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame,” Wikipedia notes.
One Love has become such a huge hit that the term has taken on a life all of its own. For Millennium Eve in 1999, the BBC chose One Love as its official anthem.
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