One of the most important pioneers of UK Black music in Britain is to be honoured with a blue plaque on his 91st birthday. The late great Sonny Roberts opened the very first Black recording studio in Britain – Planetone. This was the catalyst from which Chris Blackwell created Island Records, and Lee Gopthal created Trojan Records. Artists such as Millie Small did occasional practice sessions at the studio, and it is now synonymous with these two labels.
Born on 26th July 1931 in Jamaica, Sonny emigrated to London in 1958 10 years after the arrival of the Empire Windrush.
Within 3 years, his recording studio at 108 Cambridge Road, Kilburn, gave him a reputation as a sort after producer. Here he recorded and produced early recordings for the trombonist Rico Rodriquez, and artist Mike Elliott, The Marvels, Robert ‘Dandy Livingstone’ Thompson, and Tito ‘Sugar’ Simone. He next created the Sway label.
Sonny kept his Kilburn recording studio until the early seventies before founding his best-known label, Orbitone in Harlesden. He introduced the Nkengas from Nigeria and they recorded some of the earliest examples of Afro Beat music in England; this was a phenomenal collaboration of it’s time - a Jamaican immigrant producing music for Nigerian musicians.
He also branched out as a retailing and distributing specialist of world beat music through his record shop in Willesden Junction, Harlesden, this became the hub for many future artists as eclectic as Jools Holland to American DJ Afrika Bambaataa. The Orbitone label is one of the most important brands for British Lovers Rock music as well as for distributing Nigerian Music.
In 1987, Sonny produced the Judy Boucher hit "Can't Be with You Tonight" which reached number two in the U.K British Charts. It holds the record for being the first Caribbean female singer to have the longest stay in the British national charts for 14 weeks. It would be his most successful recording to date. Sonny also produced soft reggae, and calypso; and distributed and produced many soca hit singles including iconic hits Sweet Sugar Bum Bum, and Hot Hot Hot, and top hits ‘Lorraine’, ‘Too Young To Soca’ by ‘Machel Montano’, and ‘Gipsy Love’ among others.
He returned to Jamaica in the late 1990s and remained there until his death in 2021. To commemorate the outstanding musical contribution of Sonny Roberts, the Nubian Jak Community Trust in association with Trojan Records, will be installing a blue plaque at the site of his former studio. Confirmed friends attending include Jazzie B, Akala, Terri Walker, Leee John, Peter Straker, Omar, Junior Giscombe, Maxwell D, General Levy, DJ Jiggs, Daddy Ernie, among others.
DJ's on the night included Gladdy Wax, Nigel Q, The Pekings Brothers, & Sir Breena Sound System. Cleon Roberts, daughter of Sonny Roberts said: “Your trailblazing work in music has woven themselves into the very fabric of mine and most people’s lives, inspiring generations to come, and carved a path for artistes and musicians.
“I celebrate not just your achievements, but also the indomitable spirit that propels your family forward. Your symphony of dedication, passion, strength and honesty continues to resonate, leaving an enduring legacy for all who listen. Congratulations, Dad, on crafting a symphony of greatness that will forever echo through time”.
Island Records’ Chris Blackwell said: “Sonny, quite simply, started it all. I had the privilege of making acquaintance with Sonny in 1959 in London, which developed into a great friendship. His trailblazing work in music was down to the vision and his passion for various types of music was outstanding. Sonny’s work in the music industry is remarkable and he should be heralded as one of the great pioneers. Sonny was there from the beginning - the evolution of Black Music in the UK”.
Dr Jak Beula, CEO OF Nubian Jak Community Trust said: “If you look at the roots of British reggae, all roads lead to Sonny Roberts. He was the acorn from which a giant oak tree would grow”. Professor Mykel Riley said: “There are many unsung heroes in the vibrant tapestry of Jamaican popular music. One such hero is Sonny Roberts, a pioneering producer, record label impresario, and studio owner whose contribution to popular music and culture in Britain is finally and deservedly being recognised”.
Dub Vendor Records’ John MacGillivray - said: “Sonny Roberts was a multi-talented pioneer of Black music in the UK. I had the privilege of knowing him as a business associate and friend whose enthusiasm for life and different projects was inspirational”. Island Records’ Bob Bell said: “Simply by being such a trail-blazing pioneer in the evolution of West Indian music in the UK - the first Black owned recording studio, the first Black owned record labels (Planetone and Sway), the first Black owned record retailer, produced early examples of Afrobeat in 1971.
“Sonny Roberts put down an undeniable marker. And then by introducing Chris Blackwell to Lee Gopthal, Sonny became the catalyst for a relationship that ultimately led to the forming of Trojan Records - the label that introduced the world to reggae”. Bunny Striker Lee Jr said: “All things under the sun shall perish, music alone shall live.
“Sonny Roberts can never be forgotten, what an amazing human being he was. He played a very important role in our culture. He was 1 of the men that made this all possible for us all we stand on his shoulders, so we must commend and never forget the name Sonny Roberts - 3 cheers for Sonny, you definitely put in the work in music creation, and you’ve made us all proud”.
Michael Williams of DBC said: “Happy to have met Sonny Roberts all those years ago, he was cool, calm, friendly, and so knowledgeable. His support for DBC is valued. Happy memories”.
