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The Islander

My Life in Music and Beyond

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The Islander

By: Chris Blackwell, Paul Morley
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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'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. Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Inspiring Thought-Provoking Entertainment Caribbean
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Critic reviews

'As you're about to find out through the pages in this book, Chris Blackwell - who looms large in U2's life and was in fact our lifeline into the music world - is an adventurer, an entrepreneur, a buccaneer, a visionary and a gentleman. I'm proud to know him.' (Bono)
'C.B. had this way of throwing me in the deep end knowing that I would thrive on being challenged. As you'll read in The Islander, he knows how to get the very best out of people - he's a mover and a shaker and a mischief-maker.' (Grace Jones)
'I read Chris Blackwell's autobiography in one sitting, unable to tear myself away. From "My Boy Lollipop" and Bob Marley, via Swinging London and punk, all the way to Talking Heads and U2, I felt like I was reading the inside story of the music of my life.' (Salman Rushdie)
'A thoroughly quotable autobiography, a book that's hard to put down. 4/5' (Mojo)
'Fascinating. 8/10' (Uncut)
'Highly readable.' (The Guardian)
'A compelling autobiography.' (The Observer)
'Highly recommended.' (Kirkus)
'If you're even a minor fan of music books ... buy this autobiography. Fascinating.' (Variety)
'Fascinating autobiography of the Island Records founder. The Islander is a treasure.' (Prog)
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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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What Brilliant biography this guy had such an interesting life !!!
Not to mention his recollections about Errol Flynn and IanFleming who were basically Uncles to him growing up. He signed all my favourite bands from the 60’s 70’s 80’s 90’s and brought Bob Marley, Grace Jones and U2 to the masses , as well as unknown Cult artists like Nick Drake who became critically acclaimed after his tragic death!
What a great performance by Bill Nighy brilliantly read . Can’t recommend enough

Fascinating Story of a Musical Maverick

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Fantastic book and enthralling story with fabulous narration. Didn’t want it to end. Covers Blackwoods dealings with some of my favourite artists such as Free, John Martyn, Bob Marley and Nick Drake, but even found the bits about U2 quite entertaining too!

Fantastic and fabulous

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Being a musician, producer, record maker I found this book hard to put down, loving most of the artists Chris B championed, I respect him even more than before
An utterly fantastic book

Truely brilliant life

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Loved Chris’ story and could have listened to the same amount again, was not too short, just that the journey was so interesting. 5 stars all round.

Exceptional story with exceptional narrator

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