VP/Greensleeves Kicks off 40th Anniversary Celebrations by Topping Billboard Reggae Chart

Greensleeves’ limited press 7” EP “White Man In Hammersmith Palais” debuts at #1 this week on the Billboard reggae chart. This celebratory feat kicks off the 40th anniversary of Greensleeves Record Label, which will release various special edition albums and host events with some of VP/Greensleeves notable artists. “White Man In Hammersmith Palais” was released on April 22nd which is also Record Store Day-  a day for international music lovers and vinyl collectors. The title is from the 1977 song by the punk rock legends The Clash. Inspired by a concert line up that featured Ken Boothe, Dillinger, Leroy Smart and Delroy Wilson, the 7″ EP features a hit from each of the four artists, packaged with a replica of the concert’s promotional poster.

“White Man In Hammersmith Palais” is just one of the many ways that the 40th anniversary of Greensleeves will be honored. VP/Greensleeves will also release 40th anniversary editions of Culture “Two Sevens Clash,” “African Dub Chapter Two” by Joe Gibbs and a three LP/ three CD, 40th Anniversary edition package of The Congos “Heart Of The Congos.” Additionally, the forty-track “Total Reggae – Greensleeves” will give fans a four-decade overview of Greensleeves label classics. The label will also release new albums from current sensations Alborosie and King Jammy. Suns of Dub’s “Riddimentary- Suns of Dub Select Greensleeves” came out on April 28th and is available for purchase and streaming.

In addition to the highly anticipated music, are the numerous events that will be held to celebrate the 40th anniversary. In Paris on June 21st – their music day, an outdoor sound system performance by Blackboard Jungle Sound will be held on the grounds of the Cite De La Musique: Philharmonie De Paris in Paris in Paris, France. The museum is also the site of the current exhibit on reggae culture titled Jamaica Jamaica! On the same day at the legendary BB King’s in Times Square, New York there will be a Greensleeves 40th anniversary concert featuring Queen Ifrica, Alborosie and Addis Pablo, son of the legendary Greensleeves artist, Augustus Pablo. Events will continue in London through August and September including the Greensleeves 40th celebration concert at the One Love Reggae & Dub Festival.

“Debuting at number one is a wonderful achievement that we are very proud of and just another way to further celebrate the 40th anniversary of Greensleeves Record label,” said Chris O’Brien of Greensleeves.