H85.1133 History & Criticism 2 Credits
Instructor(s): Vivien Goldman
Many people recognize the name Island Records from its merger with hip-hop label Def Jam in the form of "The Island Def Jam Music Group." However, there may be no obvious connection with the Jamaican-British roots of this influential pioneering independent record label. This course considers the epic saga of Island Records from its inception in the 1960s to its current incarnation as part of the Island/Def Jam conglomerate. Founded in 1959 by maverick entrepreneur Chris Blackwell at the time of his native Jamaica's independence, Island Records soon moved its operations to the UK, and then on to America, initially via deals with indies such as A&M. By distributing other young independents such as Virgin, Chrysalis and EG, the label became a laboratory for much of pop's exciting progress, illuminated by musical discoveries like Bob Marley and U2. Through each struggle and turning point, the label's knack with musical talent has saved the day, leading to its sale, first to Polygram in 1982; and subsequent absorption when Polygram itself was sold to the Universal Music Group in 1998. Any student interested in learning more about the history of how and why a small independent record label with a vision grows to become a hugely influential international force will benefit from taking this class. Final project includes a research paper related to Island Records or a comparable independent label; and reading includes White Bicycles by Joe Boyd. Artists students will listen to may include: Bad Company, Cat Stevens, Fairport Convention, Burning Spear, John Cale, Aswad, Sly and Robbie, Grace Jones, Baaba Maal, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Roxy Music, Toots and the Maytals, and Steve Winwood and Traffic.
