Chris Blackwell

Biography

Christopher Percy Gordon Blackwell was born on June 22, 1937, and founded Island Records in Jamaica in 1959. A pioneer of ska music, he played a pivotal role in shaping the genre's global influence. As one of the greatest record executives in history, Blackwell successfully launched the careers of iconic acts like Bob Marley, U2, and Grace Jones, leaving an indelible mark on music history.