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The Islander

My Life in Music and Beyond

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The Islander

By: Chris Blackwell, Paul Morley - contributor
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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About this listen

 'An adventurer, an entrepreneur, a buccaneer, a visionary' - BONO

As the founder of Island Records, renowned music producer Chris Blackwell has discovered and worked with some of the most legendary artists of the second half of the twentieth century - from Steve Winwood to Cat Stevens, Bob Marley to Grace Jones, U2 to Roxy Music, via Nick Drake, the B-52's and Robert Palmer. A maverick free spirit himself, Blackwell turned Island into a home for groundbreaking musicians and their wildly divergent music styles, playing an instrumental role in bringing reggae to the world stage.

Now, as he turns eighty-five, the great raconteur takes us back to the island where it all began: Jamaica - the paradise where his family once partied with the likes of Noël Coward, Ian Fleming and Errol Flynn and where, as local Jamaican sounds began to adopt contemporary American trends, Blackwell's burgeoning musical instincts flourished. It was also the birthplace of the cutting-edge Island Records, founded by Blackwell in 1959. But that was just the start of a truly remarkable career...

Winding through the music industry, this fascinating memoir makes for a giddy ride, encountering Island's many esteemed collaborators over the years and unpacking the initiatives, decisions and risks that ultimately brought such enduring success to Blackwell, both in music and beyond.©2022 Chris Blackwell (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Thought-Provoking Inspiring Caribbean

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Critic reviews

"An adventurer, an entrepreneur, a buccaneer, a visionary." (Bono)
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Thanks to Chris Blackwell the selector I got to understand more about the pathways of the artists. Artists who have bought years of pleasure to my life.

Well worth a listen.

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A wonderful account of an extraordinary life. Blackwell’s role in the cultural evolution of the 20th century may be as legendary as those of the artists he supported. The book reminds us of how precious, serendipitous and tragic life is. A fabulous antidote to all the anxieties of the past few years.
I took the opportunity to (re)listen to certain songs as they get mentioned in the narrative, and heard them with fresh ears. Even Millie Small’s fluffy My Boy Lollipop took on an extra dimension when the back story is understood.
Strongly recommended for everyone, and essential reading for any scholars of the music industry.
Beautifully narrated by Bill Nighy.

Jamaican warmth and serendipity

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Wonderful story of Chris Blackwells extraordinary life and work. Island records integrity in giving artists their creative freedom without pushing for a commercial success is surely a lesson for the big media giants to let creatives create without putting a boot on their throat. Amazing artist stories, and a reminder without Blackwell and Island how the whole musical landscape would be a pale imitation of what we are able to enjoy today. Plus a great discography of must listen to albums. Wonderful.

Favourite autobiography ever.

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A brief but engaging history of the music industry from the 60’s to the 90’s from the point of view of the founder of Island records. I loved Bill Nighy’s narration.

Excellent narration, interesting story

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Very well read book. Chris Blackwell has had a passionate life long love of music. He’s introduced some of the greats onto our lives.
Downloaded the kindle version so I could follow up some of the references I didn’t always catch on audio. Definitely of the best musical biogs I have heard. Highly recommended.

Fascinating musical journey

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I’m a big Nick Drake fan so he led me here. Great insight into the history of black music, which I’m also a massive fan of. The perfect book and beautifully read by Bill Nighy

So much I didn’t know

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Amazing…I k ew it would be a decent book to listen but it was far better than expected. Bill nighy narrated superbly as you’d expect and the entire narrative takes you from the 60s to 2000s . The level of music , bands and achievements Chris got through was impressive. Loved hearing about Jamaica where it all started and you felt close to the storyline throughout as Chris developed Island records alongside many great bands. Bob Marley and U2…it doesn’t get much better success wise whatever you’re personal music tastes. So many memories evoked when listening to the music genres and times over the decades. Fantastic book that I wished didn’t end. Massive thumbs up to Bill - compelling narration.

A wonderfully written life story over 4 decades

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Fab book, loved lsland records, , if everyone ran a business like Chris the world would be a better place

Chris Blackwell

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Excellent narration, well edited, interesting story. I'm listening to another music story (last night a DJ....) and it's badly edited and very disappointing compared to this "book"

Excellent narration

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There wasn’t much to dislike. I loved the laid back tone, enjoyed learning more about the various artists, got inspired to listen to some of their music which had passed me by, introduced to Jamaica and it’s intriguing culture and history. A gem of a book, don’t let it pass you by.

An easy yet very interesting listen.

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