The Islander cover art

The Islander

My Life in Music and Beyond

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The Islander

By: Chris Blackwell, Paul Morley - contributor
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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About this listen

 '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.©2022 Chris Blackwell (P)2022 Bonnier Books UK Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Inspiring Entertainment Caribbean

Critic Reviews

"An adventurer, an entrepreneur, a buccaneer, a visionary." (Bono)
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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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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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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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A fantastic story about one of the most influential music company's and its entrepreneur leader. A perfect blend of music, business, adventure and passion for people.

An Island adventure

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Great autobiography of someone whose life is very different to the usual. A humble, thoughtful memoir.

So interesting!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.