About this book
The growth of the Jamaican recording industry…
Records have played an integral part in the history of Jamaican music and the importance of making records, as opposed to making music, can never be overstated. These are the stories, told through first-hand accounts wherever possible, of the men and women… manufacturers, musicians, singers, deejays, arrangers and record producers… who made the records and who made the sound of reggae available worldwide.
“Clearly this series is set to become the standard reference work on Jamaican music, such is its dizzying depths of research and the vast amount of oral evidence it has compiled from many years of interviews alongside critical quotes from recognised existing literature.”
Steve Barker
The Wire
"In this third volume the authors skillfully weave interview material into its narrative. Among other histories, it examines the work of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, who transcended genre and became author of his own productions and, in the process, influenced the development of the major global artist Bob Marley. It examines the development of dub, the studio process that transformed the music, and in doing so exerted yet another influence on popular music on the world scale. It also examines the work of Lloyd 'King Jammy' James who utilised digital technological innovation to become a champion of sound system and record production and, thus, became the Eighties equivalent of the earlier innovator Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd.
All this, and much more, is told by many of the protagonists who created the phenomenon of reggae as a cultural force that has travelled far beyond the confines of Jamaica.”
Steve Barrow
Co-Author of “Reggae The Rough Guide”
“Noel Hawks’ & Jah Floyd’s third book on the history of the Jamaican recording business is another triumph. As with the first two volumes, they seamlessly weave quotes and recollections from the key players into the narrative, giving the reader a unique, and genuine, insight into the development of Jamaican music and the business of selling it. An essential read for anyone interested in ska or reggae and for all music lovers.”
Chris Lane
Fashion Records
“I can confidently say, without fear of contradiction, that the final part of Noel Hawks’ & Jah Floyd’s trilogy is every bit as meticulously researched and mentally stimulating as the first two volumes. It may be that no history of Jamaican music can ever be totally definitive given how many of reggae’s key singers, players and producers had already left Earth before anyone had the opportunity to get their takes on how it evolved. But, as of now, you will not find a more accomplished telling of the tale than that which is presented across the three volumes of ‘Jamaican Recordings’… an Order of Distinction-worthy accomplishment that should henceforth become an essential component of everyone’s reggae library.”
Tony Rounce
Ace Records Ltd
