The Islander My Life in Music and Beyond

"An adventurer, an entrepreneur, a buccaneer, a visionary" – that's how Bono describes fabled music producer Chris Blackwell. As the founder of Island Records, Blackwell discovered and worked with some of the most important musicians of the second half of the twentieth century. From Steve Winwood and Cat Stevens to Bob Marley and Grace Jones, U2 and Roxy Music, his list of collaborators is legendary. He is also widely credited with bringing reggae music to the world stage.

In this fascinating memoir, Blackwell reflects on his extraordinary life, taking us back to the island where it all began: Jamaica. It was the place where his family partied with the likes of Noël Coward, Ian Fleming, and Errol Flynn. As local Jamaican music began to adopt contemporary American trends, Blackwell's burgeoning musical instincts flourished, leading him to found the now-legendary Island Records in 1959. Five years later, while living in London and selling Jamaican records, he discovered teenage singer Millie Small and paired her with the song 'My Boy Lollipop'. With the addition of a ska beat, the track became a worldwide smash hit — and this was just the beginning.

With up to fifty photos supplied by his team, this is an intimate look at a truly remarkable career. Blackwell will discuss the many artists he's worked with over the years, unpicking the bold initiatives, crucial decisions, and high-stakes risks that brought such success to both himself and his esteemed musical collaborators. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the forces behind some of the most enduring music of our time.