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This is the fourth in our series of profiles of iconic record labels, exploring the label's history and some interesting stories about the artists they signed and music they released. Look for more label profiles coming up soon and check them all out here. Island Records is one of the most influential record labels in music history, renowned for its diverse roster and groundbreaking contributions to multiple genres. Founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall, and Leslie Kong in Jamaica, Island began as a label promoting Caribbean music, particularly ska and reggae. Blackwell’s vision and instinct would later turn the label into...

The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! OCT 27: Happy birthday to Simon Le Bon, born today in 1958! The singer, songwriter, and musician is best known as the lead vocalist for the British new wave band Duran Duran. Le Bon joined Duran Duran in 1980, bringing his distinctive voice and charismatic presence to the forefront of the band. Duran Duran quickly rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Rio," and "Girls on Film," becoming a major force in pop music and...

Handwritten song lyrics hold a special place in the world of music memorabilia, often fetching millions due to their connection to iconic songs and legendary artists. Lyric sheets provide a rare glimpse into the creative process, showcasing raw ideas, edits, and sometimes showcase doodles as well. Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac also displayed her drawing talents in this handwritten lyric sheet for "Songbird" Why are handwritten lyrics so valuable? Many of these songs have defined eras, movements, or genres, amplifying their historical and emotional value. Rarity is obviously also a factor since handwritten lyrics are unique, often one-of-a-kind, with the...

Record awards in their earliest days were pretty plain, starting with simple dark-stained wood framed affairs with white matte boards in the 60s and early 70s. The period of 1975 thru the mid-80s brought silver and gold painted frames and charcoal-colored mattes. This was followed by a graduation to some pretty pedestrian black plastic-covered frame/black matte awards from the mid-80s through late 90s.   Just before the millennium, however, the RIAA loosened up its' previously strict design standards. This opened up the creative floodgates for award designers, who responded with an explosion of new designs. The companies that designed these new award...

The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com. Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history! OCT 13: Happy birthday to Sammy Hagar, born today in 1947! The rock singer, songwriter, and musician is best known for his work as a solo artist and as the lead vocalist for Van Halen from 1985 to 1996. Hagar first gained attention in the early 1970s as the lead singer of the hard rock band Montrose. With Montrose, Hagar delivered hits like "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Rock Candy," helping to establish his reputation as a powerful vocalist with a gritty,...