THE LAST SOUND STANDING

What Is A Sound System?

A unique Jamaica musical concept  that began in the late 1940s and 1950s.  ‘Sound’ recorded music played at dance parties  held in houses, lawns, or dancehalls.  ‘System’ public address apparatus with turntables attached to it for sound reinforcement and the amplification of music which was played on huge wooden boxes with speakers inside. Sound systems are still a big part of the Jamaican music scene with many famous selectors aka DJs.

Merritone Music

Music is timeless. The Merritone Music formula is guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing.

Merritone Events

Come make Merri Moments with us around the world.

Merritone Radio

Tune to the unique vibes of Merritone Music 24/7 365

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Merritone History

These are our beginnings. And we have just started.
1940
1940
Merritone History
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Merritone Sound System
The original sound systems were born out of a need to bring music and entertainment to Jamaica’s working class. Before the sound systems, musical entertainment in Jamaica came from live bands. The cost associated with these events limited attendees to upper class Jamaicans and tourists. Thus, with the introduction of the sound system, contemporary music was brought to the masses.
1950
1950
Merritone History
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The Start Merritone Music

One day after school, brothers Trevor and Winston heard a sound while waiting at a Kingston bus stop. The sound was music pumping from Mr. Chin’s Sky Rocket Sound System. The variety of Jamaican mento, calypso, American R +B , and country music instantly captivated them. After many visits to Mr. Chin, they convinced their father.

Val Blake founded Merritone Music in Morant Bay, St. Thomas.

1956
1956
Meritone History
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Val Blake

Val Blake dies and leaves Merritone to his 4 sons: Trevor, Winston, Tyrone, and Monte to keep the music playing

1959
1959
Meritone History
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Winston Blake
Winston Blake was crowned ‘King’ on Jamaica Broadcasting Company’s (JBC) Teenage Dance Party television show

MERRITONE MUSIC

There were many great sounds that had its genesis before Merritone: Lord Coxon, … but We are the only existing sound system from this pioneer era that continues to play and we are the only sound system to play on all modern musical formats from analog-digital including shellack 78 RPM and vinyl records, 8 track, cassette, cds and digital music. We are the Last Sound Standing