LABEL PROFILE

Island Records

International label.

Label Code: LC 0407 / LC 00407

Island Records (often utilizing a logo that excludes "Records") was named after Island In The Sun (a novel, film, and Harry Belafonte calypso hit), and was established in Jamaica in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall, and Leslie Kong. In May 1962, Blackwell moved the label to the UK to market Jamaican music to immigrant communities in London and Birmingham. In 1967, Island redirected its focus to more avant-garde rock music, transferring most of its Jamaican acts to the offshoot label Trojan Records. Island renewed its support of reggae artists by signing The Wailers in 1972.

For a number of years, Island licensed American rights to its music to various labels, most frequently A&M and Atlantic. In 1971, Island established its own US label identity through a distribution deal with Capitol. In 1973, Island's US division switched to independent distribution. The US headquarters, once in Los Angeles, were moved to New York City in November 1977. In mid-1978, US Island commenced a series of manufacturing and distribution partnerships with major labels, first with Warner Bros. Records Inc., and later with Atlantic Records in late 1981. Similar arrangements were made with Philips globally, excluding the US, UK, and Australasia until June 1971; Ariola from June 1971, excluding France; Festival, Dacapo, and WEA for distribution in various other regions. For a history of relationships in Canada, see Island Records Of Canada Ltd.

Blackwell sold Island to PolyGram in 1989 but stayed on as chairman of Island Entertainment Group until 1997. Since 1999, the Island label has been managed by the Island Def Jam Music Group in the US and Universal Island Records Ltd. in the UK. In Germany, the brand is part of Polydor Island Group, which emerged from the brief Island Mercury Labelgroup. In Japan, the brand is used locally by Universal Sigma. In November 2013, Barry Weiss stepped down as Chairman/CEO of both Island and Def Jam. On the first of April 2014, Universal Music dissolved The Island Def Jam Music Group. Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Motown were re-positioned as three separate labels. David Massey would lead Island Records and extend the label's A&R and support operations.

An early UK label history can be viewed in 'Images'.

UK prefixes (approx. 1981):

WIP and CWIP: standard 7" (dealer price: £0.70 excl. VAT)

IEP: E.P. 7" (dealer price: £0.91 excl. VAT)

12WIP: standard 12" (dealer price: £1.21 excl. VAT)

IPR, 12XWIP: specialist 12" (dealer price: £1.40 excl. VAT)

IRSP: mid-price album (dealer price: £2.00 excl. VAT)

ICD: mid-price double album (dealer price: £3.90 excl. VAT)

ILPS, ISA, ILP, M1, HNBL, ITOP: full-price album (dealer price: £3.07 excl. VAT)

ILSP: full-price double album (dealer price: £4.56 excl. VAT)

NDSP: box sets (dealer price: £6.09 excl. VAT)

ZCIRSP: mid-price cassette (dealer price: £2.00 excl. VAT)