Chris Blackwell

Chris Blackwell is a world-renowned visionary media entrepreneur and entertainment industry executive who founded Island Records in 1959. Over the last four decades, he introduced legendary artists such as Bob Marley & The Wailers, Steve Winwood, Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens, Robert Palmer, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey and The Cranberries to the world. In 1983 Mr. Blackwell formed the film production and distribution company, Island Alive. PolyGram acquired Island in 1989, and he continued to supervise the Island companies until November 1997. In 1995 Mr. Blackwell formed Island Black Music, a music division created to sign and promote R&B, soul, gospel and hip hop. In 1998 he started Islandlife, a new umbrella company that united Island Outpost with a new entertainment venture, Palm Pictures. With Palm, Mr. Blackwell returned to his roots in the entertainment world, releasing innovative music and films theatrically.

His other affiliates include Blue Mountain Music, the music publishing company home to Bob Marley, U2 (UK), Julie Fordam, James, Cousteau, and others: one recording studio; and Island Outpost, a unique collection of hotel and resort properties. Mr. Blackwell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2001.