Who founded Island Records, the label behind Bob Marley’s international breakthrough?

Chris Blackwell founded Island Records, the label behind Bob Marley’s international breakthrough.

Blackwell established Island Records in 1959 and developed a strong interest in Jamaican music. His work with the Wailers helped connect the group’s recordings with listeners in Britain, Europe, and North America.

Island released major Marley and Wailers albums including Catch a Fire, Burnin’, and Exodus. Blackwell was a record executive and label founder, not a member of the Wailers and not the producer credited on every Marley album.

His contribution was important to the group’s global distribution and marketing. Marley’s songwriting, performances, and band were central to the music, while Island provided the international business infrastructure that helped carry it worldwide.