Celebrating Chris Blackwell's Polar Music Award: A Pioneer of Music and Cultural Fusion

Michael Pärt,, Angélique Kidjo, Chris Blackwell

Three legendary names in music were awarded the 2023 Polar Music Prize at the gala ceremony held at Grand Hôtel in Stockholm. The event, held on a star-studded night in Stockholm, Sweden, marked the recognition of Chris Blackwell's extraordinary contributions to the music world and his relentless pursuit of promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression.

Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, one of the UK’s greatest independent record labels, Angélique Kidjo, five-time Grammy Award winning Beninese artist and songwriter, and Estonian Arvo Pärt, the world’s most performed living composer, were each presented with the prize by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

Chris Blackwell's Polar Music Award celebration was an evening filled with well-deserved recognition and admiration for his pioneering work in the music industry. From his early days as a record label founder to his role in bringing reggae to the world, Blackwell's contributions have been nothing short of revolutionary. With his unique vision, he has shaped the careers of iconic artists and left an indelible mark on the global music scene.

The Polar Music Award serves as a testament to Chris Blackwell's exceptional achievements and his enduring impact on music and cultural fusion. His legacy continues to inspire and empower artists to explore new horizons and transcend boundaries. As the music world celebrates his accomplishments, we honor Blackwell's lifelong dedication to artistic expression, diversity, and the timeless power of music.

Chris Blackwell, on receiving the award, said: "When you listen to others, you find the space to understand their many possibilities. It allows you to bring forth what is already there…My hope is that we all continue to make music, to use music as a shared human endeavour that evokes joy and delight, and connects communities and generations together in a language of harmony. That I hope, is my legacy. With all those I have worked with, over the last 50 years.”

The Polar Music Awards

Also in attendance at the 2023 ceremony was Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens and Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera, two of the era-defining acts on Island Records, signed to the label by Chris Blackwell in the seventies. The ceremony and banquet took place at The Grand Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden. It featured musical performances by Swedish artists, including Daniela Rathana singing “Pull Up To The Bumper” by Island Records artist Grace Jones, and Deportees covered U2’s “With Or Without You”. Benjamin Ingrosso sang “Wild World” with Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens watching on, while Anna Ternheim performed “Love Is The Drug” with Phil Manzanera seated in the audience. Ysee gave a rendition of Angélique Kidjo’s “Agolo”, and the S:t Jacobs Chamber Choir performed “The Deer’s Cry” by Arvo Pärt. The evening also saw a performance by one of France’s most popular jazz instrumentalist, Ibrahim Maalouf.

The Polar Music Award, established in 1989 by ABBA's manager Stig Anderson, is an international honor bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of music. Recipients of this prestigious award have included icons such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, and B.B. King.

Chris Blackwell's Polar Music Award recognizes his immense influence on popular music, his unwavering dedication to fostering cultural exchange, and his tireless efforts in promoting diverse musical genres worldwide. He has not only contributed to the careers of countless artists but also shaped the landscape of the music industry, breaking down barriers and championing music as a unifying force.

About Chris Blackwell’s Music Career

Chris Blackwell's journey in the music industry is nothing short of legendary. Born in London, England, in 1937, Blackwell grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of jazz and Caribbean rhythms. Inspired by his mother, Blanche Blackwell’s, passion for music and their Jamaican home, Blackwell embarked on a career that would revolutionize the music scene.

In 1959, Blackwell founded Island Records, a label that would become synonymous with groundbreaking artists and genres, including reggae, rock, and world music. He played a pivotal role in introducing reggae to the world through the discovery and signing of legendary musician Bob Marley and his band, The Wailers. This partnership not only propelled Marley to global stardom but also helped shape the reggae genre and its immense cultural impact.

Blackwell's visionary approach to music production extended beyond reggae, as he nurtured and championed artists such as U2, Grace Jones, Cat Stevens, and Amy Winehouse, among many others. He demonstrated an innate ability to identify unique talent and provide them with a platform to flourish.