Coxsone Record Label
Chris Blackwell having had success with Island and Black Swan labels, found the need for a record disruption company. It was no longer viable for him to delivery records himself by van around London. Lee Gopthal with the help of four friends set up B&C (Beat & Commercial), as the business grew they moved to a warehouse in Neasdon, London. They launched a further six record labels one of which was Coxsone records in 1967. This label was exclusively for the record producer Clemont 'Coxsone' Dodd. The label colour was blue and went on to have over one hundred record releases in the UK up to 1969.
Roy Richard a harmonica player had several instrumentals issued including Warm and Tender Ska a cover by Percy Sledge Warm And Tender Love. Roy Richard was born blind in 1941; he learned to play harmonica at fifteen and began his career with Clemont Dodd at Studio One. As Roy & Enid (Enid Cumberland) he turned his talents to vocal recordings, he had one LP on Studio One and his well known tracks are, Contact, Vietnam, Double Trouble and Get Smart. Roy passed away in Jamaica in 2007.
Marcia Griffiths records on the label sell for hundreds of pounds including, Hold Me Tight, Mojo Girl. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1949 and began her singing career performing on stage with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. She recorded at Studio One where she recorded a series of duets with male singers Tony Gregory, Bob Marley and Bob Andy. In 1968 she had her first success as a solo artist, with Feel Like Jumping at Studio One. From 1974 and 1981 she was a member of the I Threes, a trio of backing singers, which supported Bob Marley & the Wailers. In August 2014 it was announced that Marcia would receive the Jamaican Order of Distinction.
Slim Smith (real name Keith) born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1948, started singing with the group Victors Youth Band. He later became a founding member and lead vocalist of The Techniques, who recorded for Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. He had three releases on Coxsone Records, Mercy Mercy with the Gaylads, Hip Hug and Rougher Yet. The B side I'll Never Let Go is a very good example of great Rock Steady from 1967. He formed a new version of the group The Uniques, and joined with producer Bunny Lee. Together they topped the Jamaican hit parade with Let Me Go Girl on Lee records in 1967. Further hits followed including Everybody Needs Love. Slim Smith died in 1973 after an unfortunate accident at his parents house.
When the Skatalites broke up Roland Alphonso formed the Soul Vendors and they became the backing band at Studio One. The band members were, Hector Williams (drums) Lloyd Brevett (double bass) Roland Alphonso (Tenor sax & leader of the group) Jackie Mittoo (organ) Ernest Ranglin (rhythm guitar) Johnny Morris (trumpet) Errol Walters (bass guitar). They had many instrumentals issued on the Coxsone label including, Ram Jam, You Troubled Me, Grooving Steady, Whipping The Prince, Real Rock, Swing Easy, and West Of The Sun. All extremely collectable.
There are many collectors items including: Marcia Grithiths Hold Me Tight, Call To Me, Mojo Girl. Hugh Godfrey. A Dey Pon Dem. Joe Higgs Neighbour Neighbour. Lloyd & Glen That Girl. The Termites Mama Didn't Know. The Three Tops A Man Of Changes. Jamaican Foundations Take It Cool. Roy Tomlinson I Stand For I. Larry & Alvin Your Cheating Heart. Delroy Wilson True Believer In Love. Carlton And His Shoes Love Me Forever. Hortense Ellis Groovy Kind Of Love. Norma Fraser Respect. Righteous Flames You Don't Know. The Heptones Queen Of The Minstrels. Lloyd Charmers Things Going Wrong. Soul Bros. Take Ten. Lloyd Greene Reggae A Go Go. Jackie Mittoo Somebody Help Me, Something Stupid, Norwegian Wood, Mission Impossible, Sure Shot. The Octaves The Battle. The Sound Dimension Scorcia. Ken Boothe You Keep Me Hanging On. Owen Gray Give Me A Little Sign. Bob & Tie I Don't Care. The Melodians Mr. Editor. Winston Jarrett Peck Up A Pagan.
Marcia Grithiths CS 7062 Hold Me Tight/The Basies Home Sweet Home, was sold at auction for £670.00 in 2011.