Welcome to Nighthawk Records

For more than twenty years, Nighthawk Records has been among the leading independent record labels specialized in the finest black roots music. The label began in the spring of 1976 with the release of four groundbreaking blues reissue albums that Living Blues Magazine called "the major event of the year for lovers of post-war blues."
Today, those albums are highly sought after collector's items, but blues remains the heart and soul of reggae music Ð providing inspiration for Bob Marley and the many recording artists who have contributed to the development of ska, rocksteady and reggae for more than three decades in Jamaica.
In 1980, Nighthawk Records became one of the first American record labels to make a commitment to the culture and music of Jamaica. Today the label is recognized internationally for bringing some of Jamaica's finest recording and performing artists to the attention of the broader world music community and for playing a key role in establishing the popularity of reggae music in North America.
A love for the music and culture of Jamaica, and an abiding respect for the artists, is the foundation on which Nighthawk Records has built its reputation. From packaging and mastering to annotation and promotion, our albums capture the authentic sound and spirit of this exciting and original music. Our artists are some of the most dynamic and important contributors to the development of modern Jamaican music and their work has played a key role in establishing the popularity of reggae music today.
We invite you to tour our web site and discover for yourself who these artists are, where they come from and how they fit into the broader context of the Jamaican and world music landscape. You will find a wealth of information in our artists' links with biography, history, discography, interviews and photographs. Our catalog links provide details about their albums with titles, credits and ordering information.
Our news links will update you about tours and live appearances around the world and in your neighborhood. Our merchandise links make available posters, T-shirts and other fine artist related products you can purchase. If you are a DJ or concert promoter, you can be placed on our contact list by sending us email. A special link has been designed for reggae collectors and researchers, making available the most detailed Jamaican music discography and database available anywhere as well as offering old hits for sale and auction.
A visit to Jamaica is a must for anyone who loves reggae music. The beauty of the island and the warm, gracious hospitality of the Jamaican people offer limitless opportunity for visitors to learn, discover and enjoy the world of reggae music. Check out our links to other sites of interest to travelers interested in exploring the breadth and depth of Jamaican culture by clicking on any of the photographs of Jamaica that appear in this web site.