Win a copy of Greensleeves Records’ “Greensleeves Reggae Gold” 10-Track LP, released August 19, 2022 courtesy of Greensleeves Records (VP Music Group). Enter below.

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45 years of London’s iconic Reggae label

1977, Shepherd’s Bush, London. A record shop at 44 Uxbridge Road, selling Jamaican music, decides it’s time to release its own tracks. The mission is clear – to arm every DJ and reggae fan in the UK with the latest sounds from downtown Kingston, Jamaica.

And so, into a golden era of Reggae, Greensleeves Records was born – a label that soon became synonymous with all the latest Dancehall & Reggae hits from Jamaica, and the artists that made them. During the late 70s, 80s, and 90s, the label took the crown as the number one British destination for both the sound of Jamaica and for Caribbean-influenced Black British music, creating a distinct reputation as a pioneer in Dancehall music and the Rub-A-Dub style. Just like Motown or Blue Note, it defined a genre.

Many artists and prominent producers released on the label including Dr Alimantado, Augustus Pablo, Wailing Souls, Barrington Levy, Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Sister Nancy, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Mr Vegas, Red Rat, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, JC Lodge, Deborahe Glasgow, Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes, Linval Thompson, King Jammy, and Gussie Clarke.

Forward to 2022, and the rebel label that never courted the mainstream has today taken its place as the most revered British Reggae label with a catalogue of over 20,000 tracks that define the genre like no other. It has a loyal, ever-expanding global following – many who grew up with the label in the UK communities, others who discovered it as the music swept the world, and now other younger fans who embrace it as a heritage label through their passion for Reggae & Dancehall.

In celebration of the label’s 45th anniversary, Chris O’Brien has compiled Greensleeves Reggae Gold, a 10-track LP selection of hits that defined the label’s early identity and resonate in the sound of reggae today. Artists include Barrington Levy, Johnny Osbourne, Augustus Pablo, Eek-A-Mouse, Yellowman, and more.

For more on Greensleeves Records, visit https://linktr.ee/Greensleeves.Records

ENTER TO WIN

Contest ends Friday September 2nd @ 11:59pm PT.

Winner will be notified via email from [email protected]. Rootfire will ship to addresses across the globe. Winner may be responsible for import duties in your country if applicable.

Vinyl Giveaway: Greensleeves Records “Greensleeves Reggae Gold” Vinyl