Hello Bovine Ska and Rocksteady Friends,

On March 17th, we lost famed record producer, Sonny Roberts at the age of 89. Born in Manchester Parish, Roberts was a carpenter who emigrated to the UK in 1958.  Soon after he arrived in England, Roberts set up the Love Vendor Sound System and soon after he moved into 108 Cambridge Road in London which was a building owned by Leo Gopthal of Trojan fame. In the basement, Roberts built a recording studio which became the first studio to be owned by a Jamaican in Britain, and it was there where he began the Planetone record label. Roberts would eventually run many labels in England including Sway, Orbitone, Tackle, Cartridge, Affection, and Sun Burn. Roberts recorded Jamaican R&B, ska, and reggae artists as well as Gospel, soca, soul and Afrobeat. You will hear many of Roberts excellent productions on our memorial for him this week.  We send our deepest respects to Roberts’ family, friends, and colleagues.  XO Generoso and Lily