Site of Music House, HQ of Trojan Records
12 Neasden Lane, Willesden. NW10 2XH
Between 1968 and 1975 Music House was home to Trojan Records. The label started by Lee Gopthal and Chris Blackwell of Island Records, popularised Jamaican music across the UK, releasing hundreds of ska, rocksteady and reggae records.
Trojan was the biggest reggae label of its time, releasing records by Brent-based acts and artists including The Cimerons, The Pioneers, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker and Dandy Livingstone. Trojan Records scored 20 top-30 singles and their first No.1 hit was ‘Double Barrel’, also by Brent-based Dave and Ansell Collins in 1969.
Island severed business interests with Trojan and moved out of the Borough to Ladbroke Grove in 1972. Three years later Trojan folded and the original companies were sold to Saga Music. Sanctuary bought Trojan Records in 2001 for 10.3m. Music House was demolished to make way for Brent Magistrates Court at the end of the 1970s.