We are extremely excited about one of IODA’s newest additions, the great Jamaican Ska, Soul and Rocksteady label Treasure Isle Records. Founded by Jamaican music giant Arthur “Duke” Reid in the early 1960’s, Treasure Isle quickly became one of the leading purveyors of Jamaican ska and rocksteady music. Working with artists such as The Skatalites, Tommy McCook, Alton Ellis and The Paragons, Duke Reid distinguished himself as the forefront producer of ska and the brand new rocksteady genre.
Duke Reid got his start in Jamaican music in the 1950’s as a mobile DJ. At that time in Jamaica DJ’s put together mobile sound systems and lugged them around to dance halls and open air parties. Duke used a large truck to cart around his system which lead to the name Duke Reid’s The Trojan after the British manufacturer of his truck. The Trojan became known as the best sound system in Jamaica and gave it’s name to Duke’s first label Trojan Records. Trojan Records put out a number of 78’s in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.
By the mid 1960’s Duke had built a beautiful wooden recording studio above his wife’s liquor store The Treasure Isle Grocery and Liquor Store. His popularity and influence in Jamaica was far reaching and allowed him to work with the premier ska artists such as The Skatalites and The Paragons. After the Skatalites broke up in 1965, ska gave way to the newer rocksteady style and Duke Reid became the foremost producer and purveyor of this new Jamaican music. Working with the likes of The Paragons and the unofficial “Godfather of Rocksteady” Alton Ellis, Reid produced hit after hit like Ellis’ “Rock Steady,” the first song to refer to the new genre by name. In addition to his production efforts Duke put together a backing band The Duke Reid Group to back young vocalists like Derrick Morgan and the Jiving Juniors on their records.
In the mid 1970’s with his health failing Arthur “Duke” Reid decided to sell Treasure Isle Records to his good friend Lyndon Pottinger’s wife Sonia. Already the proprietor of the successful labels Gay Feet, Tip Top, Rainbow and High Note Records Sonia’s acquisition of Treasure Isle vaulted her to the top of Jamaican music.
Check out some of the Treasure Isle classics:
Artist: The Skatalites
Title: The Skatalite!
Genre: Reggae : Soul
UPC: 844185089814
Territory: World
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Artist: The Paragons
Title: On The Beach
Genre: Reggae : Soul
UPC: 844185038867
Territory: World
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Artist: Alton Ellis
Title: Mr. Soul of Jamaica
Genre: Reggae : Soul
UPC: 844185038850
Territory: World
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Artist: Tommy McCook
Title: Tommy McCook at Treasure Isle
Genre: Reggae : Dub
UPC: 5060130072259
Territory: World
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Tags: Alton Ellis, Duke Reid, The Skatalites, Tommy McCook, Treasure Isle Records
