Jet Star (record distribution company)
British reggae distributor claiming world's largest status.
Jet Star (officially Jet Star Phonographics Ltd.) was a British record distribution company founded in 1978, emerging from Pama Records. It grew into one of the leading distributors of reggae music, and the company billed itself as "the world's largest reggae distributors".
The Palmer Brothers, who had previously operated Pama Records, established Jet Star. Their new venture began issuing records under the Charm label. In 1984, they launched the Reggae Hits series, which went on to become the longest-running series of reggae compilations globally. Other album series followed, including the specialist collections ‘Just Ragga’ and ‘Pure Lovers’, as well as the pioneering ‘Jungle Hits’ series, which introduced underground styles to a wider audience for the first time. The ‘Reggae Gold’ series, starting with compilations featuring Chaka Demus & Pliers, Beenie Man, Capleton, and the late Garnett Silk, is regarded as an excellent entry point to those artists.
In 2008, Jet Star entered administration and was acquired by Phoenix Music International Ltd, which continues to distribute the Jet Star label digitally.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1978
- Genre
- Reggae, dancehall, ragga, jungle
- Parent
- Phoenix Music International
- Founder
- Carl Palmer
- Country
- United Kingdom
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Jet Star was formed in 1978 by the Palmer Brothers, who had previously run Pama Records. The new company began releasing records on its Charm label. The Reggae Hits series was started in 1984 and became the world's longest-running series of reggae compilations. Further series of album releases followed, such as the specialist 'Just Ragga' and 'Pure Lovers' titles alongside the ground-breaking 'Jungle Hits' series, which saw Jet Star showcasing exciting underground styles to the mainstream public for the very first time. The 'Reggae Gold' series, launched with collections featuring Chaka Demus & Pliers, Beenie Man, Capleton and the late Garnett Silk, are considered among the best introductions to the artists featured.
Reader's Guide
Jet Star's significance lies in its role as a major distributor of reggae music from the late 1970s onward. The company's Reggae Hits series, begun in 1984, became the world's longest-running series of reggae compilations, indicating its sustained influence in bringing reggae to a broad audience. By launching series such as 'Jungle Hits', Jet Star introduced underground styles to the mainstream public for the first time. The 'Reggae Gold' series, featuring prominent artists like Chaka Demus & Pliers, Beenie Man, Capleton, and Garnett Silk, is regarded as an effective introduction to those artists. In 2008, Jet Star went into administration and was sold to Phoenix Music International Ltd, which continues to distribute the Jet Star label digitally. The company's legacy endures through its extensive catalog and its claim to being the world's largest reggae distributor.
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