NATIONAL MERRI MUSIC DAY | October 25
Wed Oct 25th

National Merri Music Day

National Merri Music Day is held in Jamaica on October 25 to celebrate an innovative sound system and a music scheme that began post World War II in Jamaica.

#nationalmerrimusicday

We're celebrating the Merritone Sound System as the world's oldest sound system on record on National Merri Music Day. Merritone is the only sound system built in the original sound system era of the 1940s and 1950s that is still in operation. Merritone Music, as the last sound standing, has encouraged music enthusiasts around the world to learn about the historical movement that has influenced musical genres in Jamaica and around the world.

What is a sound system?

A sound system of the late 1940s and 1950s is a public address apparatus with turntables attached to it for sound enhancement and music amplification. Sound systems are still a vital part of Jamaica's musical scene today, with many popular selectors, aka DJs.

The original sound systems were born out of a desire to bring music and entertainment to Jamaica's working class. Live bands were used in Jamaica before the sound systems and musical entertainment were available. The cost of these activities restricted attendees to upper-class Jamaicans and tourists. Modern music was brought to the masses by the sound system. Sound systems were used at house parties, lawns, and dancehalls.

How old is merritone music? val blake, the founder of morant bay, st. thomas in southeastern jamaica's capital, is 72 years old, and merritone's music system, cha cha, waltz, and slow love songs, which gave this sound system its distinctly identifiable music style

Iconic influence

Merritone Music has been blamed for directly influencing the rise of ska, reggae, rock steady, and the present-day dancehall music scene. During a session or party, Merritone offers a variety of Jamaican mento, calypso, American R&B, and country, unlike live music where a single or a few genres of music are played.

To name a few, musicians and producers, such as Bob Marley and producers, sought out Merritone Music to perform their songs, including Lee "Scratch" Perry, Winston "Niney" Holness, and Bunny "Striker" Lee. They will often perform songs that are not available on the radio. In fact, they were known for making B-side records instant hits. Local musicians flocked to Merritone Music concerts for one of the main reasons. It was going to be a hit if they could get their song to play at a Merritone session. Local artists were extremely successful due to their reputation.

Merri sounding music

  • Learn the complete history of the Merritone Sound System
  • Attend Merritone Sound System sessions
  • Jamaican culture and history are among the topics covered in this study
  • Make plans to attend a future Merritone Reunion
  • Using #NationalMerriMusicDay, you can share and post your Merritone Music articles

Trevor will eventually migrate to the United States, leaving Winston and his two younger brothers to continue Merritone. The Blake brothers stood out as the only sound that would feature a family of DJs. Although all brothers participated, Winston and Monte are the two most well-known selectors. Winston was instrumental in making the Merritone sound both a Jamaican national treasure and a global phenomenon.

Merritone music memories of national merritone music fonds

Winston Blake was born on November 19, 1940, to Ruthlyn and Winston St. Valentine "Val" Blake. Ruthlyn died shortly after the birth of Monte, the youngest Merritone brother, in Monte. Val was left to care for his four children. As a public works accountant and a part-time Philips Electronics salesman, he looked for additional ways to help his family.

Trevor and Winston attended Kingston's school. They heard music from Mr. Chin's Sky Rocket Sound System one day after school, while waiting at a bus stop. They came home and pleaded with their father to install a sound system as a way to earn extra money. Val resisted early because sound technologies were not considered socially acceptable for the middle class in the beginning. He gave in and Merritone Music was born, and Merritone Music was born. Musicians, international and local politicians, Jamaican prime ministers, world renowned musicians, and music enthusiasts from around the world all began to break down the stigma of sound systems and brought music to both working and middle class people, national and international politicians, world renowned musicians, and music enthusiasts from around the world.

Facts and tidbits

Merritone Music is the last "sound" standing. It is the only sound system that has existed in the original sound system era of the 1940s and 1950s that continues to play today. In addition,, it is the only sound system to play on all modern musical styles, including shellac 78 RPM, vinyl records, 8 track, cassette, CDs, and streaming music.

Merritone Music is a legendary presence in Jamaican history as one of the firsts in sound system, music, and Jamaican history. Merritone has been breaking down socioeconomic barriers since its inception. Merritone has been using music to unite the people of the world. Merritone has been breaking down socioeconomic barriers since its inception. The Merritone brothers played at the University of West Indies in the 1960s, exposing students from middle-class families to a sound system. Merritone's first sound system to perform at a world class hotel, the Sheraton in New Kingston, was launched in the 1970s.

Winston began the Merritone VIP Talent Exposure in order to showcase Jamaican talent. This exhibition brought together some of Jamaica's most popular artists, including the following. This exhibition brought together some of Jamaica's most popular artists, including the following.

  • Schloss Schloss Cynthia "Songbird" Schloss Cynthia "Songbird" Schloss Schloss Cynthia "Songbird" Schloss Schloss Cynthia "Songbird" Schloss Schloss
  • Beresford Hammond
  • The Tamlins
  • Jacob Miller
  • Ruddy Thomas
  • The Mighty Diamonds

Merritone Music began performing in New York in the late 60s, but international tours weren't until the 1970s that international tours became a mainstay. They starred in American cities such as Miami, Ft., as they did in Miami, Ft. During the Great Migration, Merritone fans in Toronto and London, as well as Toronto and London, where Merritone supporters migrated to during the Great Migration. It was the first Jamaican based sound system to play internationally.

Winston opened the Turntable Club in 1972. Merritone Music's home for the next 29 years was located in Merritone Music's new home. Dennis Brown appeared at the first live recording session at a nightclub in Jamaica. Marvin Gaye, Keith Richards, Johnny Nash, Bob Marley, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff were all regulars at the club.

Turntable Club is Jamaica's longest-running nightclub. In fact, the Government of Jamaica named Turntable Club as a National Heritage site in 2018. In fact, in recognition of its contribution to Jamaica's musical heritage, the Turntable Club was designated as a National Heritage site in 2018.

Awards and citations have been given and commendations for their service and commendedations

Winston Blake was given the Order of Distinction (OD), the highest civilian award in honor of his contributions to Jamaican music, by the Government of Jamaica.

In honor of Merritone Music's 50th anniversary, the St Thomas Municipal Council renamed Bay Mount (the original Merritone Music home page) to Blake Hill.

Winston Blake was honoured with the Icon Award by Reggae Canada in 2000.

Winston Blake was lauded by the United States House of Representatives 11th congressional district for his service to Brooklyn, NY, and its residents in 2008.

A Symposium on Merritone Sound System, one of Jamaica's longest running family-owned businesses, was held at University of West Indies, Mona School of Business, University of West Indies.

Winston Blake was lauded by Nassau County New York in 2012 for his lifetime of service to the community.

Merritone Music has been honoured by the International Reggae Day in 2015 with a Pioneer Sound Award.

Winston Blake (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) is lauded by the JAMaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) for his contributions to the reggae industry.