2009 is the 50th anniversary of the founding of Island Records, arguably the most prestigious record label in the history of British music. To mark this milestone the label is collaborating with Island founder Chris Blackwell to arrange the Island 50 festival.
Chris Blackwell founded the Island label in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959 with capital of just £1000. Relocating to London in the early 60s Blackwell built the most diverse and enviable back catalogue of any independent record label in history. From Island’s early Jamaican roots in ska and rock-steady, through the label’s expansion to become the cutting edge of progressive rock in the late 60s, and then on to the signing of such international superstars as Bob Marley and U2, Blackwell brought to Island a unique vision and passion which still informs the label’s approach to this day.
Blackwell has agreed to oversee a festival planned for May 2009 of live music, cinema, photography and memorabilia involving Island artists past and present.
The Island 50 festival is planned for May 2009 and various associated events will happen throughout the year. The following elements are being planned:
1. Island 50 Live – a week-long festival of live shows by Island artists past and present at The Shepherds Bush Empire. All proceeds from the shows will be donated to Amnesty International and The Oracabessa Foundation in Jamaica.
2.TV/Radio Documentaries
3. Island 50 book edited by Chris Salewicz (author of recent Joe Strummer biog Redemption Song, Mick and Keith, Reggae Explosion: the Story of Jamaican Music, Punk: the Illustrated History of a Music Revolution, Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Experience, Bob Marley, Songs of Freedom and many others).
4. The history of Island Records is included in the national curriculum for Music/Music Business students during 2008/09 at over 50 UK Universities and Colleges
5. Exhibition of Photos, Artwork, Memorabilia. The exhibition will travel around the country through the year.
6. Island 50 Film Festival - Island related films such as ‘The Harder They Come’, ‘Bob Marley Live At The Lyceum’, ‘Rockers’, ‘Countryman’ - art cinema tour.
7. Island 50 music – Classic Album Re-issues, new compilations, deluxe boxsets, digital bundles.
8. Island 50 merchandise
The Island label has been responsible for the careers of some of the biggest stars in music including U2, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Traffic, Free, Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Sandy Denny, Toots & The Maytals, John Martyn, Marianne Faithfull, Aswad, Tom Waits, King Sunny Ade, Third World, Roxy Music, Robert Palmer, the B52s, Sly & Robbie, Melissa Etheridge, The Slits, Steel Pulse, Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Pulp, Tricky, Talvin Singh, and latterly Amy Winehouse, PJ Harvey, DJ Shadow, Sugababes, Keane, The Fratellis, Scott Matthews, Paul Weller, The Feeling and Portishead.
www.islandrecords.co.uk and www.island50.com
