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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 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)
All stars
Most relevant
Insightful and passionate story by the man who lived and created so much of my favourite music

Loved it

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I’m only up to chapter 4 but I am going to rate this book already. If you grew up listening to the music put out by Island Records or have an interest in music in general, this is the book for you. Excellent narration by Bill Nighy as well.

Well written well read music history

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What an amazing life Chris Blackwell has lived. An amazing book with a superb job done by Bill Nighy narrating, and a pretty good pairing with Trevor Horns own autobiography, makes this both a must listen & a very highly recommended book for
anyone with a deeper interest in the making of music, it's origins & a deeper & different insight into all involved in the process.
A truly great read.

Extraordinarily Enjoyable Bio

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Mr Blackwell shares some valuable insight into the lives of my favourite musicians, including their experiences, trials and tribulations in a special place and time with Island Records.

The business.

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Chris has given us a tale or story of a life lived fully and with joy, celebrating not only his journey but those who have travelled with him through time. The book takes you along as a friend as Chris creatively intertwines past, present and future but never loses its narrative. This is one of those rare books that you love to know more but you fear the end approaching because you are enjoying the images described to you in rich and vibrant tones. I feel like I got to know the man, his friends and his life which is an achievement in itself. Beautifully read by Bill Nighy please immerse yourself in this Islanders story it truly is extraordinary and captivating,

Epic but simple and of the earth

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