Island Records 50th Anniversary Festival

Festival Planned

2009 is the 50th anniversary of the founding of ISLAND RECORDS, and 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 a diverse and enviable catalogue. 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.

Said BLACKWELL, "When I recorded 'LANCE HAYWARD at the Half Moon' in 1959 at Federal Records Studio in KINGSTON, JAMAICA, I had no inkling what path this had set me on. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with some of the greatest musical artists of all time. It was always my intention at ISLAND to make records that stood the test of time, and I'm proud that ISLAND is still a potent force in music 50 years since that first release. I'm very excited to be collaborating with the label to organize a number of events to celebrate ISLAND's 50th birthday in 2009."

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