Christopher 'Chris' Blackwell is an influential figure in the music industry. He is best known as the man who signed Bob Marley and the Wailers and produced their legendary album, Catch a Fire, in 1973. This album marked a major leap in the popularity of reggae music outside of Jamaica, and is often cited as one of the most important releases of its era. Blackwell was also the first cover star of the music industry bible, Music Week.
Although he was born in London in 1937, Blackwell's life quickly became intertwined with music and the Jamaican culture. His mother was a Jamaican of mixed race and his father was an officer in the British Army. Blackwell first travelled to the island nation in 1954 when he was 16. It was during this trip that he fell in love with the music, and discovered the potential that the sound of reggae could have on an international level. As a young adult, he opened a chain of record stores in Jamaica, and went on to start a record label in 1962, which was the first in the Caribbean. He dubbed it Island Records, and it quickly gained a reputation as the premier label for reggae and other Caribbean music styles.
Not only did Blackwell revolutionise the Jamaican music industry, but he also made a major contribution to the development of the global music scene. It was his cohesive vision that allowed Marley to reach a mass audience and became a star. His dynamic approach to music was far ahead of his time, showing a deep understanding of how the industry worked, and how to market music. He believed in a strong and unified message, and incorporating marketing and branding into the music. It was this kind of thinking that made his label, Island Records, so successful.
Beyond his own journey in the industry, Blackwell played a part in the development of other major music icons. He signed U2 to Island Records in 1980, and collaborated with the band on several groundbreaking albums. It was the label's successful promotional campaigns that helped launch the LoveTown Tour of 1989, one of the most financially successful tours in music history.
Although he officially left the label in 1988, Blackwell remains one of the most influential figures in the industry. His passion for music, and his strong vision, have inspired many up-and-coming artists and remain an influence today. It's no surprise then, that he should be the first cover star of Music Week, a magazine dedicated to the music industry.