The Record Store and Black Music: A UK History
Let me tell you about a journey. A journey that spans decades, from the soulful sound systems of the Windrush generation to the beats that still thump through the heart of UK cities today. This is about The Record Store & Black Music: A UK History. The project brings the story of England’s independent Black music record stores into the spotlight. A groove through time that has helped define not just musical tastes, but cultural identity itself. It’s a story of resilience, community, and the power of music to bridge divides, create connections, and inspire generations.
Project Overview
Supported by the University of Greenwich and powered by the good folks at 2Funky Arts, this project has been rolling since July 2023 and will keep on bringing the vibes until the end of 2024. With backing from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this groove isn’t just about reminiscing — it’s about documenting, preserving, and celebrating. It’s about giving thanks to those record stores, those cultural havens, that gave people a voice and a community, from the 1950s right up until now.
The Role of Record Stores
These spaces were more than just places to buy records; they were sanctuaries where people could escape everyday pressures, connect with others, and immerse themselves in the culture and sounds that made them feel at home. They provided a sense of belonging and a chance to experience community through music.
Cultural Significance of Independent Record Stores
You see, independent record stores weren’t just shops. For many, they were a place to gather, to connect, to find that sense of belonging in an unfamiliar land. From those early days when the Windrush generation brought over not just their luggage but their culture, to the present day where black, African, and Caribbean music is woven into the UK’s musical fabric — these stores were there, front and center, shaping society’s relationship with Black music.
More Than Commerce
The role they played went far beyond commerce; they were cultural hubs, centers of creativity, and places where the seeds of new musical genres were planted and nurtured. Ska, reggae, dub, soul, funk — all these styles found a home in these record stores, and through them, they found their way into the hearts of listeners across the country.
The Voices Behind the Project
Dr. Amit Patel and Dr. Brona Martin are leading this exploration into the past, drawing out the stories that need to be told. We’re talking real voices from real people — the artists, the DJs, the crate diggers, and the pioneers.
Contributors
Names like Jazzie B, Trevor Nelson, Carol Leeming MBE, David Rodigan, and Claudia Wilson are among those lending their voices. They share memories of how these record stores were the heartbeat of a movement. These voices help us understand the deeper significance of these spaces. And not just as commercial enterprises, but as places of cultural exchange, social activism, and artistic expression. They were places where young people could discover new sounds, where DJs could find the latest tracks, and where community members could come together to celebrate their heritage and culture.
Project Deliverables
The journey doesn’t stop at a history book either. Expect a book to dive deeper into the tales, a documentary that will capture these stories visually, a podcast series that will let you listen to the rhythms, and even an educational pack for KS3 teachers to bring this rich history to classrooms.
Documentary and Book
The documentary will feature interviews with key figures, rare archival footage, and a soundtrack that will transport viewers back to the golden era of independent record stores. The book will provide a more in-depth look at the stories, offering personal anecdotes, historical context, and photographs that bring the past to life.
Podcast and Educational Pack
The podcast series will feature conversations with artists, DJs, and historians, allowing listeners to hear firsthand accounts of the impact these stores had on their lives and careers. All of this will culminate in screenings, including a big premiere at the University of Greenwich — a chance for the stories, sounds, and vibes to be shared, celebrated, and remembered.
Upcoming Events
There’s a screening coming up at the Phoenix Cinema in Leicester, on Thursday, 31st October, at 7:30 pm. Mark it on your calendar, head over there, and feel the culture, the connection, and the heritage that Black music in the UK has built over the years. Go direct to the page here – https://www.phoenix.org.uk/whats-on/programme/the-record-store-black-music-englands-tastemakers/
Community Events
These screenings will be more than just film showings; they will be community events, opportunities for people to come together, share their experiences, and celebrate the rich legacy of Black music in the UK. Whether you’re a long-time fan of reggae, soul, and funk, or you’re just curious to learn more about this important part of the UK’s cultural history, these events are not to be missed.
Learn More
Want to know more? Go ahead and visit https://2funkyarts.co.uk/portfolio/the-record-store/ and https://theblackmusicrecordshop.co.uk/. Dive into the stories, listen to the voices, and let the music guide you. It’s more than history — it’s a celebration of identity, resistance, and the power of sound to bring people together.
Celebrating The Story
This isn’t just history. It’s our story. A story of resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between music and community. It’s about the power of music to transcend boundaries, to bring people together, and to create a sense of belonging. It’s a story that continues to unfold, and one that we are all a part of. So let’s keep the music playing, keep the stories alive, and keep celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of Black music in the UK.