Studio One

Studio One on vinyl: the cradle of the Jamaican sound

In short: Studio One was the studio and label of Clement “Coxsone” Dodd in Kingston, Jamaica. From the sixties onwards, ska, rocksteady and reggae were recorded here – with the early Wailers around Bob Marley, the Skatalites, the Heptones and Ken Boothe. Because so many stars started here, Studio One is often called “Jamaica’s Motown”. The Vinyl Room currently has 16 Studio One records.

From our stock

Marked as first pressings

Ska, rocksteady & roots

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→ John Holt · Roots reggae · Reggae on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing

What makes Studio One special?

The house band shaped the sound: Sound Dimension and the Soul Brothers played behind many singers, with Jackie Mittoo on organ. Many of their rhythms – the “riddims” – were reused again and again later. We have Bob Marley’s “One Love”, Ken Boothe, the Heptones, Delroy Wilson and the Maytals.

Add Don Drummond, trombonist of the Skatalites, Lee Perry with the Soul Brothers, Freddie McGregor, The Gladiators and dub from Dub Specialist. Many Studio One records were re-pressed over decades; whether original or later edition is noted with each copy.

FAQ

Who founded Studio One? Clement “Coxsone” Dodd in Kingston, Jamaica, in the sixties.

What is a riddim? The backing track of a song – bass, drums, organ – reused for new songs and versions.

Why is Studio One called “Jamaica’s Motown”? Because so many later stars made their first recordings here and a house band shaped the sound.

What do you have on Studio One? Ska, rocksteady, reggae and dub – 16 records in all.