3 August 2022
Magic Soul celebrates 60 years of Reggae with Carroll Thompson
Four-Part series starting this Sunday 7th August
In honour of the upcoming 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence, Magic Radio’s sister station Magic Soul, which plays the best of Soul & Motown, will celebrate the country’s huge musical and cultural influence in a new four-part series, 60 Years of Magical Reggae with Carroll Thompson.
Award-winning UK reggae artist Carroll Thompson hosts the programme on Magic Soul, which starts this Sunday 7th August at 7pm. Celebrating the impact of Reggae on UK audiences – from Ska in the early sixties and how that helped shape the incredible 2 tone scene from the Midlands to the global dominance of Bob Marley as an ambassador across the world. Listeners will also hear about music from the second-generation UK born artists who managed to blend into the UK way of living, bringing the heritage they carried from the Caribbean.
The “Queen of Lovers Rock” will share a hand-picked playlist of tracks, sharing her memories of the songs and how they have influenced the UK scene.
Speaking about the new show, Carroll Thompson said “It’s a joy to play music from such a rich and creative musical heritage – 60 years of wonderful Reggae music that touched the hearts and minds of many cultures … so many great songs – I barely touched the surface!”
Magic’s Deputy Content Director Sheena Mason said “We are elated and honoured to have the ‘Queen of Lovers rock’ Carroll Thompson hosting such a special show highlighting the importance and influence that Jamaican music and culture has given the UK over 60 years. Our team are delighted to add this four-part series to our Magic Soul summer programming, courtesy of the Audio content fund and The Playmaker Group at a momentous time of celebrating 60 years of Jamaican independence.”
Listen in to 60 Years of Magical Reggae with Carroll Thompson from this Sunday 7th August from 7-8pm, with a new episode each Sunday until the final episode on 28th August. Each episode is repeated on Thursday 8-9pm.
Magic Soul is available on DAB digital radio, on your smart speaker, the Magic Radio app, and online at www.magicsoul.co.uk
All the features have all been made possible thanks for the Audio Content Fund. 60 years of Magical Radio is Executively produced by Ray Paul from independent production company The Playmaker Group along with BrukOut Entertainment.
-ENDS-
For Further Press Information on Magic Radio, please contact:
Amelia O’Shea – Head of Communications, Bauer Media Audio UK
E: amelia.oshea@bauermedia.co.uk M: 07718 489342
Huldah Immanuel – Communications Assistant, Bauer Media Audio
E: huldah.immanuel@bauermedia.co.uk
NOTE TO EDITORS: EPISODE BREAKDOWN
WK 1 – THE EARLY DAYS – Showcasing the impact of Ska, particularly on the 2 Tone scene in the Midlands which inspired the likes of The Specials, Madness and Bad Manners, as well as providing a home away from home for the Windrush generation. With music such as My Boy Lollipop / Millie Small, Pressure Drop / Toots & The Maytals and The Liquidator / Harry J All Stars
WK 2 – THE LEGENDS – Jamaica has provided more record releases per capita than any other country in the world. The trends, fashions and musical styles became synonymous with cool, and it’s reputation for creating trend setters precedes it. Over the last sixty years the impact on these stars has been incredible, particularly on first generation UK born reggae stars to follow. We would be looking at spotlighting tracks such as Marcia Griffiths and Bob Andy / Young Gifted & Black; Jimmy Cliff / Many Rivers To Cross and Johnny Nash / I Can See Clearly
WK 3 – BOB MARLEY – The beacon for the music. His legacy transcends just the creative element but embodies the culture of Jamaica for reggae lovers everywhere. The UK was an important place for him, not only because he lived here for a period, but because the impact of his movement and messages came through loud and clear here – so much so that Island Records boss Chris Blackwell gave him the sort of backing that only rock stars received in those days. This show will play all the Marley hits such as One Love, Could You Be Loved and No Woman No Cry.
WK 4 – THE UK – After being influenced from near and far, the UK created some of the most gifted and timeless reggae with its unique take on the genre. ”Lovers Rock” in particular was a slowed down take on the music and spawned artists such as Maxi Priest and Janet Kay who had number one records such as “Wild World” and “Silly Games”. Carroll herself had one of reggae’s all-time great albums, “Hopelessly In Love”, and the likes of Aswad got to the top of the chart with “Don’t Turn Around”. All these tracks had a UK sprinkle on top of the fundamental reggae sound to make them bespoke to the genre.
About Magic Radio Network
Magic Radio entertains listeners across the UK on Digital Radio, with the perfect mix of music and entertainment to lift your day. Home to Magic Breakfast with Ronan Keating and Harriet Scott, the station is also host to sell-out events including Magic at the Musicals and the Magic of Christmas.
You can listen to Magic Radio in London on 105.4FM and nationally via the Magic App, at magic.co.uk, on Sky Channel 0180, Freeview Channel 715, Virgin Media 928 and as a music TV channel on The Box Plus Network.
The Magic Radio Network, with a total reach of 4.1million, includes digital stations, Mellow Magic playing timeless relaxing classics, and Magic Chilled creating a contemporary music escape featuring Pop & R&B, from the 90s to Now. A host of presenters including West End favourite, Ruthie Henshall can be found playing the best from stage and screen on Magic at the Musicals, while Magic Soul plays the best of Soul and Motown, with singer Lemar on Weekend Breakfast and new station Magic Radio at the Movies. All these services are available on DAB Digital Radio, online and via mobile apps.
To find out more about the Magic Radio Network’s different stations, music, events and presenters, head to www.magic.co.uk
