Founded in Jamaica in 1959 Island quickly became the biggest label for Jamaican music in the UK. Relocation to London in May 1962 and the signing of Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1972 cemented the label's place in history.

A new direction was found by the end of the 70's. Reggae acts moved to the off shoot Trojan Records and the main label brought in esteemed artists like Cat Stevens, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and U2.