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Merritone Music — affectionately known as The Last Sound Standing since the 1950s — is marking its 75th anniversary with an international celebration honoring its rich legacy and loyal global fan base.
This year’s festivities return to the scenic SeaGarden Beach Resort in Montego Bay, St. James, from October 24–27, featuring four days of nonstop entertainment from Merritone DJs and the signature vinyl showcase beloved by collectors and music enthusiasts alike.
Adding a new dimension to the anniversary is a Wellness Expo and Craft Village, debuting as part of this year’s program to enhance the guest experience and spotlight local creativity.
The celebration continues in Kingston on Thursday, October 30, with the Rum & Riddims Pirate Merritone Fête at Footprints Café, 5 Belmont Road — a collaboration with the organizers of the inaugural Kingston/Port Royal Pirates Week. Highlights include a chance to win two complimentary airline tickets from InterCaribbean Airways, all-night coffee service courtesy of Andrade’s Gold Choice, and exclusive rum cocktail specials featuring Black Castle Rum.
A cornerstone of the Merritone legacy, World Merri Music Day — celebrated annually on October 25 — remains the emotional high point of the anniversary season. Officially recognized by the National Day Calendar in 2022, the observance unites fans around the world to honor Merritone’s influence on global sound system culture. The date also holds personal meaning as the birthday of Valentine “Val” Blake, founder of Merritone and patriarch of the Blake family.
“I am incredibly grateful to carry on the legacy of this musical movement,” said Monique Blake, who now leads the organization. “There are so many stories of how Merritone has positively touched people and communities.”
She highlighted the Merritone Mural, unveiled in 2024 in downtown Kingston’s Kingston Creative Art District, as one of several ongoing legacy projects. The mural celebrates Merritone’s historic ties to the area, particularly through the late Winston Blake, co-founder of Merritone, who once performed regularly at Victoria Pier.
Monique revealed that additional initiatives are planned, including the completion of a Merritone heritage site in Morant Bay and the refurbishment of murals in the town. Her father, Monte Blake, added: “Merritone has a great story, and we still have more to tell. We’ve been looking for funding to produce a documentary. This is an important Jamaican story.”
Merritone’s roots trace back to Morant Bay, St. Thomas, where Val Blake established the original sound system to support his four sons — Trevor, Winston, Tyrone, and Monte — following the passing of their mother, Ruthlyn. Inspired by Mr. Chin’s Sky Rocket system, Val Blake unknowingly ignited a musical revolution that helped shape Jamaica’s entertainment culture.
After Val’s death, the Blake brothers moved operations to Kingston, where The Turntable Club became Merritone’s home for nearly three decades. The venue hosted Jamaica’s first live nightclub recording, featuring Dennis Brown, and provided early exposure for icons such as Bob Marley. It also drew international stars including Marvin Gaye, Keith Richards, Johnny Nash, and Jimmy Cliff.
In 2018, The Turntable Club was officially declared a national heritage site by the Government of Jamaica. Merritone also gained acclaim through its VIP Talent Exposure series, led by Winston Blake, which helped launch the careers of Cynthia Schloss, Beres Hammond, The Tamlins, Jacob Miller, Ruddy Thomas, and The Mighty Diamonds.
From its humble beginnings in rural St. Thomas, Merritone Music has grown into a global movement, now embraced by multiple generations. While it may not have been the only pioneer of Jamaica’s sound system culture, Merritone’s endurance — spanning 75 years — stands as a testament to its unmatched influence and timeless sound.
English (US) ·