In 1967 Trojan Records released its first record in Jamaica by Duke Reid. Some time later, the legendary Chris Blackwell, always a vocal supporter of reggae, officially took the reigns of the fledging label and set up distribution through Island Records. Sanctuary Records took control of Trojan in 2001 and continued to cultivate the rich history of the label. Over the past 40 years, Trojan has given birth to some of the world’s most creative, soulful and eccentric musical talent. The Trojan label has proudly become synonymous with reggae.
Travel back in time and its clear how reggae’s influence soon made itself known via the genre’s adoption by both skinhead culture and the punk revolution. From early Ska and Rocksteady right through to Dan cehall, the spirit of Trojan is very much alive. The sound and impression of reggae can be found in modern music from the likes of Sean Paul to No Doubt to Radiohead to Shaggy to Sublime.
So how do you celebrate forty years of all that musical goodness?
Kicking it all off is a unique release from the undisputed Godfather of reggae himself, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Selecting his favorite tracks from his own prolific and highly experimental career, Perry takes us on a journey through reggae that includes chart topping hits, collaborations and his own personal high points.
Perry’s jukebox collection is just one in a successful, curated series. DJ SPOOKY PRESENTS paved the way last summer followed by JONNY GREENWOOD IS THE CONTROLLER from Radiohead’s discerning guitarist and the upcoming FURRY SELECTION, LUXURY CUTS OF TROJAN CHOSEN BY A SUPER FURRY ANIMAL (bassist Guto Pryce). Later this summer we’ll see a double mix collection by The Orb featuring unreleased material by the Mad Professor.
In addition to Trojan’s Jukebox Series, Trojan has mined numerous Definitive Collections and Anthologies, over 60 eye-catching Trojan Box Sets and a host of seminal Classic albums. Coming this summer are great classics by I Roy, King Tubby, and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s original Jamaican mix of SUPER APE will finally make its US debut.
To continue in the festivities, Trojan Records has also entered into a partnership with Starbucks for a compilation to be available in all stores across North America as of August 1. With a forward written by Lee “Scratch†Perry, this collection will celebrate Trojan at its best and most accessible.
The influence that reggae has had both musically and culturally is world renowned, with the Trojan label playing host to some of its most legendary performers such as Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Dennis Brown, Desmond Dekker, Horace Andy and Gregory Isaacs. This year will be devoted to TROJAN 40, a celebration of not only the music and the artists, but the history that has made Trojan Records the foremost reggae label in the world.
