Sonny Roberts
The late great Sonny Roberts pioneered the very first Black recording studio in Britain – Planetone. It was the catalyst for Chris Blackwell’s Island Records, and Lee Gopthal’s Trojan Records.
Born on 26th July 1931 in Jamaica, Roberts emigrated to London in 1958. Within 3 years, his recording studio at 108 Cambridge Road, Kilburn, earned him a reputation as a sought-after producer. Here he recorded and produced early recordings for the trombonist Rico Rodriquez, artist Mike Elliott, bands such as The Marvels, Robert ‘Dandy Livingstone’ Thompson, and Tito ‘Sugar’ Simone.
Born on 26th July 1931 in Jamaica, Roberts emigrated to London in 1958. Within 3 years, his recording studio at 108 Cambridge Road, Kilburn, earned him a reputation as a sought-after producer. Here he recorded and produced early recordings for the trombonist Rico Rodriquez, artist Mike Elliott, bands such as The Marvels, Robert ‘Dandy Livingstone’ Thompson, and Tito ‘Sugar’ Simone.
Roberts went on to create the Sway label at the 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 Afrobeat music in England, a phenomenal collaboration between Jamaican producers and Nigerian musicians. After this, he became a retailing and distributing specialist of world beat music through his record shop in Willesden Junction, Harlesden, which became the hub for many future artists as eclectic as Jools Holland to American DJ Afrika Bambaataa.
The Orbitone label, under Sonny's pioneering influence, became one of the most influential brands for British Lovers Rock music and for distributing Nigerian Music. In 1987, Sonny produced the Judy Boucher hit "Can't Be with You Tonight", which not only reached number two on the UK British Charts but also set a new standard. holding the record for being the first Caribbean female singer to have the longest stay in the British national charts for 14 weeks. This marked a significant milestone in Sonny's career, and it remains his most successful recording to date.
Sonny's musical prowess extended beyond British Lovers Rock and Nigerian Music. He also produced soft reggae and calypso, and his distribution and production efforts led to the creation of many soca hit singles. These included iconic hits like "Sweet Sugar Bum Bum" and "Hot Hot Hot", and top hits like "Lorraine" and "Too Young To Soca" by Machel Montano and Gipsy Love, among others.
Despite a successful career abroad, Sonny's heart remained in Jamaica. In the late 90s, he made the decision to return to his roots. His passion for music continued to drive him, and he made significant contributions to the industry until his untimely death in 2021.
His legacy is a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for music. To commemorate the outstanding musical contribution of Sonny Roberts, the Nubian Jak Community Trust in association with Trojan Records, installed a blue plaque at the site of his former studio in 2023.
“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”. Chris Blackwell – Island Records
“Your trailblazing work in music has woven themselves into the very fabric of mine and most people’s live’s, 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”. Cleon Roberts, daughter of Sonny Roberts
“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”. Professor Mykel Riley
“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”. John MacGillivray - Dub Vendor Records “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”. Bob Bell – Island Records
“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 one 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”. Bunny Striker Lee Jr
“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.” Michael Williams - DBC
“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”. Dr Jak Beula, CEO - Nubian Jak Community Trust