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Island Records

Taking its name from Harry Belafonte’s novel, song and film, Island in the Sun, Island Records was founded in Jamaica in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall, and Leslie Kong. In 1962, Blackwell moved the label to the UK to promote Jamaican music to immigrant communities in London and Birmingham, featuring artists like Jimmy Cliff, the Skatalites, and Bob Marley.In 1967, Island pivoted toward folk-rock by absorbing B&C Records and signing acts like Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Cat Stevens, and Fairport Convention. Most of its Jamaican artists were transferred to Trojan Records, a spin-off label. Reggae returned to the spotlight in 1972 when Island signed The Wailers.

Island Records built its reputation through independent distribution in the UK until mid-1977, when it partnered with EMI Records Ltd. In the US, it signed a distribution deal with Capitol in 1971. In mid-1978, US Island began a series of manufacturing and distribution partnerships with major labels, first with Warner Bros, Records Inc, Atlantic Records in late 1981, then Philips, Dacapo and WEA for distribution in various other countries.

The label’s global influence skyrocketed after signing U2 in 1980. By 1989, Blackwell sold Island to PolyGram, feeling the label had grown too corporate. Since 1999, Island Records has been part of Universal Music Group, operating under Island Def Jam Music Group in the US and Universal Island Records in the UK.

Today, Island is home to a diverse roster of global superstars including Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Bon Jovi, Jessie Reyez, Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, Lauren Spencer Smith, Remi Wolf, Brittany Howard, SleazyWorld Go, Chappell Roan, and many more.

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