Our Story
September 26, 2022
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The Merritone Music Story
This document is a compendium of some of the important events, achievements and milestones in the cosmology of Merritone Music since it embarked on its journey in 1950 in St. Thomas.
Merritone History
These are our beginnings. And we have just started.
1940
1940
Merritone History
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
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
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
Winston Blake
Winston Blake was crowned ‘King’ on Jamaica Broadcasting Company’s (JBC) Teenage Dance Party television show
1962
1962
Meritone History
Kingston Bebut
Merritone makes its Kingston debut and plays at Wembley Club on Donnow Road
Merritone goes on to play at the Akara Club, Peyton Place, Sombrero Club, The Copa
1963
1963
Meritone History
Merritone Weekend
Merritone Weekend Ocean View Montego Bay (precursor to Merritone Music Family Reunion)
1966
1966
Meritone History
University of West Indies
Merritone Music plays University of West Indies (introducing the middle class and breaking down the cultural stigma of sound systems
1968
1968
Meritone History
Plays New York’s Temple Emmanuel
Merritone plays New York’s Temple Emmanuel for the Kingston College Old Boy’s Dance.
It was the first Jamaican-based sound system to play internationally. It continues to play the Merritone sound wherever the diaspora resides such as cities like New York, Connecticut, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Atlanta, Toronto, London.
1969
1969
Meritone History
Merritone VIP Talent Search
Merritone VIP Talent Search (discovered Barris Hammond, Cynthia Schloss, The Mighty Diamonds, Tamlins, Ruddy Thomas, The Scorch Dance Group)
1973
1973
Meritone History
Turntable Club
Turntable Club longest running night club in Jamaican history opens its doors at 118 Red Hills Road. Beverly Manley, first lady and Dudley Thompson officially opened the doors of the club. It was the spot frequented by Jamaican prime ministers Michael Manley, Edward Seaga, PJ Patterson, Portia Simpson; local and international politicians: US Andrew Young; renowned local and internationals musicians: Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Third World, Inner Circle as well as many hardworking people of Jamaica.
1974
1974
Meritone History
First Live Recorded Album
The Turntable Club is the site for Jamaica’s first live recorded album, ‘Live at the Turntable Club featuring Dennis Brown. Merritone introduces the retro style and creates Turntable Thursdays.
1997
1997
Meritone History
Order of Distinction
The government of Jamaica awarded Winston Blake with the Order of Distinction (OD), the highest civilian recognition, in honor of his contributions to Jamaican music.
2000
2000
Meritone History
Turntable Club
- Turntable Club is Jamaica’s longest running night club. Its dance floors were packed for 27 years.
- St Thomas Municipal Council renamed Bay Mount (the original Merritone Music home site) to Blake Hill in recognition of Merritone Music’s 50th anniversary.
- Reggae Canada honored Winston Blake with the Icons Award.
2008
2008
Meritone History
Honored Winston Blake
- The United States House of Representatives 11th Congressional district honored Winston Blake for contribution to Brooklyn, NY and its citizens.
- University of West Indies, Mona School of Business held a Symposium on Merritone Sound System as one of Jamaica’s longest running family-owned businesses
2012
2012
Meritone History
Nassau County New York
Nassau County New York honored Winston Blake for his dedicated service to the community.
2015
2015
Meritone History
Pioneer Sound Award
International Reggae Day honors Merritone Music with a Pioneer Sound Award.
2017
2017
Meritone History
Jamaica Reggae Industry Association
JaRIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) posthumously honors Winston Blake for exceptional contribution to the reggae industry.
2018
2018
Meritone History
National Heritage Site
Turntable Club, at 118 Red Hills Road, was designated a National Heritage site.
2022
2022
Meritone History
World Merri Music Day
- Oct 25 (Val Blake’s birthday) designated as World Merri Music Day.
- It was also the place where entertainers like Marvin Gaye, Keith Richards, Johnny Nash, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff; politicians like Andrew Young; Jamaican prime ministers Michael Manley, PJ Patterson, Portia Simpson frequented
