NATIONAL MERRI MUSIC DAY | October 25
Wed Oct 25th

National Merri Music Day

National Merri Music Day, October 25 in Jamaica, honors 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, we're commemorating the Merritone Sound System. 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 urged 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 from the 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..

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

How old is merritone music? merritone's founder, val blake, grew up to morant bay, which is the capital of southeastern jamaica's st. thomas, thomas

Iconic influence

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

To name a few, many musicians and producers wanted to perform their music, such as Bob Marley and producers, Winston "Niney" Holness, and Bunny "Striker" Lee. To name a few, many musicians and producers turned to Merritone Music to play their songs, such as Bob Marley and producers Lee "Scratch" Perry, Winston "Niney" Holness, and Bunny "Striker" Lee. They will often perform songs that were not available on the radio, and they will often perform songs that are not available on the radio. In fact, they were known for making B-side records instant hits, which was very popular. Local artists flocked to Merritone Music performances 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 became extremely popular as a result of their fame.

Merri sounding music

  • Learn the complete history of the Merritone Sound System
  • Attendance of Merritone Sound System sessions
  • Jamaican culture and history are among the study's findings
  • Make plans to attend a future Merritone Reunion
  • Using #NationalMerriMusicDay, you can share and post your Merritone Music stories

Trevor and his two younger brothers will eventually migrate to the United States, leaving Winston and his 2 younger brothers to continue Merritone. The Blake brothers stood out as the only sound that would include a family of DJs. Although all brothers played, 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.

The national merritone music memories of merritone music fonds have been recalled by national merritone music enthusiasts

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.... He began looking for new ways to help his family as a public works accountant and a part-time Philips Electronics salesman..

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

Facts and tidbits

Merritone Music is the last'sound' standing. It is the only sound system that began 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 stands out as a pioneer in sound system, music, and Jamaican history, with many firsts in sound system, music, and Jamaican history. Merritone has been breaking down social 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. In the 1960s, the Merritone brothers lived at the University of West Indies, exposing students from middle-class families to a sound system. The Sheraton in New Kingston, in the 1970s, Merritone became the first sound system to perform at a world class hotel, the Sheraton.

Winston began the Merritone VIP Talent Exposure in an attempt to showcase Jamaican talent. This show brought together some of Jamaica's most popular musicians, including the following: The following is a sample from this series.

  • Schloss 'Songbird' 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 1960s, but international tours weren't until the 1970s that international tours became a mainstay. They appeared in American cities such as Miami, Ft., as well as in Miami, Ft. During the Great Migration, Merritone supporters in Toronto and London, as well as New York 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 has been located in Merritone Music's new home. Dennis Brown appeared in the first live recording session at a nightclub in Jamaica. Entertainers such as Marvin Gaye, Keith Richards, Johnny Nash, Bob Marley, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff used the club to hang out.

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

& commendations are given out in honor of & commendations

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.

ured Winston Blake with the Icon Award in 2000.

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

Merritone Sound System, one of Jamaica's longest-running family-owned businesses, was held at University of West Indies, Mona School of Business, on August 8, 2008. Merritone Sound System is one of the oldest running family-owned businesses in the country.

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

Merritone Music is honoured with a Pioneer Sound Award by the International Reggae Day in 2015, which is also named Merritone Music with a Pioneer Sound Award.

Winston Blake, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) honors him for his contributions to the reggae industry in a special way.