Rico

Rico Records, founded in 1977 by Jamaican musician Rico Rodriguez, emerged as a significant label in the ska and reggae music scenes. Initially part of the 2 Tone movement, it played a pivotal role in promoting the genre's revival in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The label is best known for its collaborations with notable artists, including The Specials and Madness, as well as releasing works by Rodriguez himself, who was a prominent trombonist and a key figure in the ska genre. Throughout the 1980s, Rico Records expanded its roster to include various ska and reggae acts, contributing to the genre's global reach. The label’s commitment to authentic sound and cultural representation solidified its legacy within the music industry. Although its prominence waned in the 1990s, Rico Records remains an important part of the history of British ska and reggae, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and labels.