The British Reggae Music Industry

Grantley Haynes explores the historical origins and Afro-centric evolutions of British Reggae Music as a genre, shedding light on the traditions embedded in British youth culture during the 1970s and 80s. With over forty years of experience, he explores the reggae music scene in the UK in the 1980s and beyond, examining the cultural impact and responses from both black and white youths. But perhaps most importantly, he highlights the development of Lovers Rock and British MCs, emphasising the profound influence of the Windrush migration and its lasting impact on UK culture, particularly in the realm of music.

Dive into the rich history of British reggae music with "The British Reggae Music Industry, A Windrush Legacy: My Story". This powerful book uncovers the roots of a musical movement that shaped British culture, tracing its origins to the Windrush Generation and their lasting influence on the music scene.

Founder of GT's Records and My Boyz Beatz launched the careers of Grammy-nominated artists like Pato Banton and Tippa Irie and renowned lovers of rock vocalist Peter Spence. A local DJ turned music promoter, he organised the landmark Birmingham Maximilian MC clash in 1985, featuring Pato Banton, Macka B, Tippa Rie, and Papa Levi. As an insider, this personal account offers a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of reggae music in Britain. From the early struggles to the vibrant success stories, the book explores how reggae became a defining voice for a generation, blending culture, identity, and resistance.

Whether you're a music enthusiast, historian, or someone seeking to understand the impact of migration on British culture, this book offers a unique perspective. Discover untold stories, personal insights, and the deep connection between reggae, community, and resilience.

Don't miss the chance to explore this compelling narrative. Order "The British Reggae Music Industry, A Windrush Legacy: My Story" today and experience the legacy of British reggae music like never before!

Money, Power and Fame, a double-edged situation

Grantley doesn't play a musical instrument. However, before the release of Hello Darling by Tippa Irie, he took saxophone lessons from Birmingham's legendary Andy Hamilton. Even though he ceased to continue his lessons, they taught him how to understand musical notation, chords and progressions, runs, colours and circular breathing. He coupled this with what he learned from listening to his dad, playing his records and listening to him explain the difference between a good and a great singer. However, his overarching learning outcome came when he found he could write music by communicating notes and melodies by humming, whistling or playing bass notes using my mouth (similar to James Brown, Michael Jackson and beatboxers). This enabled him to write compositions and songs for music he planned to record and produce. These key attributes assisted him in later years when he became a music producer in the 1980s and later for My Boyz Beatz.

No matter where he was or what Grantley was doing, he couldn't forget how much he found the mixing board from the moment he saw George Harrison behind those knobs and that board; he knew then that one day it would be him behind those knobs in some shape or form. Throughout his time in the music business, Grantley would find others before and after shows doing many things; you would almost certainly find Grantley with other engineers and muso's twisting knobs creating how he wanted the artists he worked with sound.