Trojan

The Story of Trojan Records

On July 28, 1967, British-based Jamaican music company Island Records launched a label dedicated to showcasing the work of one of the most influential producers of the Ska and Rocksteady eras—Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid. Named Trojan, after the title Reid had earned in his early music career, the label was expected to make a major impact. However, it struggled to gain momentum and folded within months.

That might have been the end of the Trojan story, but fate had other plans. In the summer of 1968, a new Jamaican music company was formed from a merger between Island Records and its distributor B&C. In search of a bold and dynamic name, they revived Trojan Records—and this time, it would make history.

Trojan Records embarked on an ambitious project, releasing singles across multiple labels and highlighting music from top producers. These included both British-based talent, such as Robert ‘Dandy’ Thompson, and legendary Jamaican figures like Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Edward ‘Bunny’ Lee, and, of course, Duke Reid himself.

The Rise of Trojan Records

Trojan’s rapid rise was fuelled by a growing working-class youth movement that embraced Jamaican music as part of its culture: Skinheads. The increasing popularity of Ska and Reggae among these fans led to a surge in record sales, and in the summer of 1969, Trojan scored its first mainstream hit with Red Red Wine by British-based singer Tony Tribe.

That success was soon surpassed, as artists like The Upsetters, The Pioneers, Jimmy Cliff, and Harry J’s All Stars broke into the mainstream charts. Trojan continued its unstoppable momentum into the early 1970s, with Desmond Dekker, The Maytals, and Bob & Marcia all achieving major chart success in the UK.

Trojan Records Clothing: Honouring a Legacy

Inspired by this rich musical heritage, Trojan Records Clothing stays true to the style of the 1960s British youth movements. Our collection pays homage to the era with an extensive range of vintage-inspired designs, including:

• Check and Paisley Shirts
• Fine-gauge Knitwear
• Polo Shirts and T-shirts
• Cycling Tops and Harrington Jackets
• Parkas and Jeans

Each piece proudly features the iconic Trojan ‘helmet’ logo, symbolizing a legacy of music, culture, and style. Whether you identify as a Skinhead, Suedehead, Rudeboy, Scooter Boy, or Mod, our authentic designs let you wear history with pride.

Trojan Records Clothing—where music and fashion unite.