Heartbeat Records is an independent record label specializing in Jamaican music. The label was formed by reggae enthusiasts Bill Nowlin and Duncan Browne, and in 1981, Heartbeat was launched with three releases by Linton Kwesi Johnson, Big Youth, and Mikey Dread. From these beginnings, Heartbeat has grown into one of the world's premier reggae labels, with a catalog of over 245 titles that embrace all genres and eras of Jamaican popular music, from ska and rock steady to roots reggae, dub, and dancehall. Included in the Heartbeat catalog are scores of classic albums by many of reggae's greatest names, from Bob Marley and the Wailers and Culture to Everton Blender and Beres Hammond.

Heartbeat is the original reggae reissue label, pioneering the CD reissue of classic Jamaican music long before it was fashionable or profitable. Heartbeat's reissues include thousands of vintage tracks from labels like Treasure Isle and High Note, and from veteran producers such as Lee Perry, Sonia Pottinger, Joe Gibbs, Alvin Ranglin, Lloyd Daley, Clancy Eccles, and Niney the Observer.

One of the cornerstones of the catalog is Studio One, the most legendary and revered label in the history of Jamaican music. For 23 years, Heartbeat enjoyed an excellent relationship with legendary producer Clement Dodd--before his passing in 2004--and continues to work closely with his surviving family. The fruits of this relationship have been more than 60 authorized reissues of Studio One recordings, with many more to come.

The success of this wide-ranging reissue program is largely due to the efforts of Heartbeat's V.P. of A&R, Chris Wilson. For Chris, this work is something of a personal mission, and labor of love, given that much of the classic music reissued on Heartbeat provided the soundtrack to his own youth in Jamaica in the 1960s and early '70s. The results of this work have been a series of internationally acclaimed releases. So renowned are these reissues, that people have come to expect certain quality trademarks from Heartbeat. One of the hallmarks of a Heartbeat release is that all recordings are taken from the best sources available, with full permission and cooperation of the producers, and in most cases directly from the original master tapes. This means that the sound quality of Heartbeat releases is always as good as CD technology can offer. Tracks are meticulously re-mastered and compiled, often in direct collaboration with the producers. Another feature of Heartbeat reissues is the mixing of familiar hits with alternate takes, and rare, previously unreleased tracks. Most Heartbeat releases also include detailed, informative liner notes, containing biographical information, quotes from the artists and producers themselves, and historic photos from the times in which the music was made. A Heartbeat release also means careful attention to packaging, design and sleeve art. These hallmarks demonstrate the label's commitment to presenting Jamaican music with the care and respect it deserves.

Heartbeat, however, is much more than just an "oldies" label. Heartbeat continues to release new music by reggae veterans like Culture, Gregory Isaacs, and Michael Rose, as well as newer talent like Everton Blender, Spanner Banner, Richie Spice, and Alpheus.

In 2000, Heartbeat was recognized at the "Best Record Label" in Boston Magazine's annual "Best of Boston" issue. The label also won its first Grammy for Burning Spear's Calling Rastafari album.

See also

• List of record labels

External links

• Official site
• Studio One Heartbeat

Independent record labels | Reggae record labels | American record labels | 1981 establishments