Last broadcast on Saturday, 22:00on BBC Radio 2.

50 years ago Chris Blackwell founded Island Records in Kingston, Jamaica. Transporting Caribbean sounds to swinging London in the 60s. He went on to build up one of the most diverse and exciting independent labels in the world and Don Letts tells the story.

In the first part of the series, Island Life, Chris Blackwell tells Don how he brought the Jamaican music he loved from the tiny island in the sun, to the streets of London and beyond. Delivering boot-loads of vinyl in his car to record shops in London, Birmingham, and anywhere that would take them Chris built his ear for sound and a deep knowledge of the records that would sell.

Island's first hit record was Millie's 'My Boy Lollipop' but Chris would not be confined to the burgeoning reggae scene. His love of jazz brought his attention to the progressive folk and rock sounds of the time and we hear from early signings Spencer Davis and Muff Winwood of Traffic, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and Joe Boyd who, through his Witch Season imprint, brought the likes of Fairport Convention, John Martyn and Nick Drake to the Island fold.

Yusuf (Cat Stevens) tells us how these acoustic vibes drew him towards the label and now 30 years on he is back on the label. The wheel has come full circle with a music world now much in need of Blackwell's pioneering spirit.

The next stage of Islands history was Roxy Music and Brian Eno explains how the label supported their individual groundbreaking style. Vivianne Albertine of The Slits also talks about how Blackwell never really understood punk music, perhaps because he saw real punk attitude in reggae.

Rita Marley picks up the story when Blackwell returned to his roots in Jamaica and turned Bob Marley and the Wailers into a global phenomenon. Their success was only equalled by another group from a small island with a lot to say - U2. The Irish band became the mainstay of Islands repertoire and finances up until 2006 and by the early 90s one of the biggest groups in the world.

By then Chris Blackwell had left the label and the music industry was a very different place. Don Letts follows the highs and lows of Island life over 50 years. Other contributors include Ernest Ranglin, Toots Hibbert of the Maytals, Derrick Morgan and Jimmy Cliff, who tell us about the roots of ska and reggae.

Island Records Artwork Gallery

This companion gallery collects together the album artwork of some of the label's biggest artists mentioned in the documentary.

Click here to see the gallery on the BBC Radio 2 web site

I went to see The Wailers again in Dublin on the 11th of Feb 09. The band is still going strong, and yes 'Family Man' is still with them on the bass (he's in his 60's now).

The band were celebrating the anniversary of the Exodus album, playing all the songs from it, and then some.

I did get Family Man's autograph on a 'One Love, Peace Concert' flyer that I got in a book years ago (thanks :Laura).

For more of the review and photos click on the link below.

www.thenaturalmystic.com/natural-mystic-trip-feb09.htm

The Wailers are coming to Dublin to soon too!

Photos coming soon...

JAH - RASTAFARI

Be joyful and proclaim the Majesty, Wisdom and Divinity of Lord of Lords - HIM Haile Selassie I; today to all you meet.
Spread the message of One Love, Equality of all men; and the Wisdom of Peace in a world of WAR.

For more information about Haile Selassie:
www.thenaturalmystic.com/natural-mystic-rasta-words.htm







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Lots of new stuff and some really good quality photos added as well as a couple of Iducational downloads, so have a good lookk around.

I'm sure Danny will be putting up some new stuff soon, and there will be more bits and peices coming soon...

Notty Dread

JAH RASTAFARI