1. Introduction
Following the release of his new memoir, the legendary producer Chris Blackwell discusses his work in hospitality and an unexpected ‘James Bond’ connection.
2. Early Days in Music
Hotelier and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, renowned for signing iconic artists like Bob Marley, U2, and many more, recently released a memoir titled The Islander: My Life in Music and Beyond. Here, he reflects on memorable experiences from his culturally rich Caribbean home.
3. Starting in Hospitality
Blackwell: “I was seeing the daughter of the couple who owned Half Moon in Montego Bay, and she got me a job teaching guests to water-ski. One evening, a Bermudan jazz pianist called Lance Hayward was playing at the hotel. After a couple of drinks, I expressed my desire to record him, although I knew nothing about the recording process. I managed to secure a studio in Kingston, leading to the first recording ever released on Island Records. That moment confirmed my passion for music.”
4. A James Bond Connection
Around that time, Blackwell also worked as a location scout for the first James Bond film. “My mother was friends with Ian Fleming. When they were filming ‘Dr. No’ in Jamaica in 1962, they needed someone to guide the crew, and Fleming suggested hiring me. Meeting Sean Connery and Ursula Andress was an unforgettable experience.”
5. Impact on Jamaican Tourism
When reflecting on the film’s impact, Blackwell noted, “Wealthy English individuals had been purchasing homes on the island for a while, and there were already luxury hotels, like Round Hill Hotel & Villas. However, broader tourism began post-independence in 1962, and ‘Dr. No’ undoubtedly contributed. The movie was modern and stylish, symbolizing a flashy new future for Jamaica.”
6. GoldenEye Acquisition
Blackwell shared how he came to acquire Ian Fleming’s former home, GoldenEye. “After Fleming’s death, my mother cared for the house and became very fond of it. When the estate came on the market in 1976, she encouraged me to buy it. At the time, I couldn’t afford it. However, after a significant royalty payment to Bob Marley, I mentioned the beautiful house to him. Ultimately, after some time, he felt it wasn’t his style. Fortunately, by that point, I had the funds.”
7. Future Developments
“We are currently developing Firefly, Noël Coward’s former home in Oracabessa, close to GoldenEye. Coward left it to Jamaica’s National Heritage Trust, and my hotel group, Island Outpost, will be operating it as part of GoldenEye. Situated at 1,200 feet above sea level, the villa will offer a unique perspective, contrasting with the rest of the resort, which is just inches above sea level.”
8. Music and Travel Preferences
Blackwell: “‘Natural Mystic’ by Bob Marley encapsulates Jamaica perfectly for me. It was one of the tracks from ‘Exodus’ that deeply impressed me when Bob handed me the recording in 1977.”
Regarding travel, Blackwell concludes, “I prefer anywhere it isn’t cold.”
This story originally appeared in the August 2022 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “My Jamaica.”
