Sonny Roberts
Sonny Roberts | |
---|---|
Born | 1932 Spice Grove, Manchester Parish, Jamaica |
Died | (aged 89) Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica |
Genres | Ska, gospel, lovers rock |
Occupation(s) | Record producer |
Years active | 1961–1980s |
Labels | Planetone, Sway, Orbitone |
Sonny Roberts (1932 – March 17, 2021), often known as Sonny Orbitone, was a Jamaican record producer who had success within the British reggae market in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s with his Planetone and Orbitone record labels.
Born in 1932 in Spice Grove,
In the mid-1970s, he opened a record shop in Harlesden and started the Orbitone label, which was one of the key lovers rock labels, with releases by artists such as Tim Chandell, Judy Boucher and Joyce Bond, as well as releasing Nigerian music.[1]
Roberts also ran the Love Vendor sound system.[1]
In 1987, his production of Judy Boucher's "Can't Be with You Tonight" reached number two in the
He returned to Jamaica in 1997, living in Saint Andrew Parish, where he ran a company producing natural colouring and seasoning products.[1]
Roberts died in Saint Andrew of throat cancer on 17 March 2021, aged 89.[8]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Campbell, Howard (2012) "The unheralded trailblazer", Jamaica Observer, 27 June 2012, retrieved 2012-07-01
- ^ Campbell, Howard (2015) "A pioneer gets his due", Jamaica Observer, 1 August 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015
- ISBN 978-1854248961, p. 60
- ISBN 978-1405801102, p. 47
- ISBN 1-86074-464-8, p. 27
- ISBN 0-8021-3828-4, p. 124-5
- ^ "Judy Boucher(Link redirected to OCC website)", Chart Stats, retrieved 2012-07-01
- ^ Campbell, Howard (2021) "Pioneer producer Sonny Roberts dead at 89", Jamaica Observer, 20 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021