Slough Sound Systems, by Ricki White

Introduction
As a teenager I grew up within the 1970’s and was drawn towards Caribbean culture, the food, the history, music and most importantly the people. This included experiencing the clubs, private parties, and ‘Blues’ parties, which, the common factor was ’sound systems’ and obviously Reggae music.
The sound systems bought unity and were a powerful tool to bring the Caribbean community together and retain their identity and social life. Often, through the records heard the Black Community would hear news of home, events, history, and politics.
Parties and Sound Systems was a way of life. ‘Blues’ parties were
Usually held in a private dwelling. A ‘Blues’ party was a way to raise cash quickly. A small entrance fee was charged and liquor and Caribbean food was on sale.

Brief History of Sound Systems in Slough
Although, Africans and West Indians have been present in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire since 1571 and beyond, it is only since the Windrush era from 1948, just after the second world war ended that Black communities have settled in Slough.
Since then Black people have contributed in many ways to our society today. One of these is to music. In particular, Jamaican music’s’ influence on the British music scene and music Industry. Before the 1950’s Jamaican and Caribbean music was scarce in Britain, but with a growing influx of Caribbean migrants to this country there was soon a growing demand for music from ‘back home’.
In Slough, there were public dances or clubs that were not catering for Caribbean’s, so in 1959, Tommy Grant, a young Jamaican decided to set up a sound system and hire a hall, so he could provide entertainment for himself and friends and others in the Black community. With help from his best friend Franch and Headley and Bugges (who sadly died this year 2005) they pioneered the first ‘sound’ in Slough and named it ‘King B’.

List of Sound Systems in Slough
KING B (1959) – Tommy Grant, Franchie, Headley, Bugges
BLACK STALLION – Joe Brown
ROMEO? -
- Shorty (Dick)
- Ivan
- Philip
V ROCKET(1964)- William Hylton known as‘Spinner’or ‘Rocket’ - Harold Easy was a member.
JAH YOUTH – Vernon Thomas
UPSETTERS – Eustace Williams
CRYSTUS/SUFFERER’S CHOICE – Hookey
EXODUS – Leroy
REQUSA – Reggie, Colin and Raymond Black
CHEMIST – Bertram Thomas, Tony Cunningham
TRINITY – Glen Douglas, Johnny Carty, Junior Johnson
Sir Miffion – Leroy, Mackintosh, Rupert Gumbs
Observer –
SUPER G & TC – Glen Douglas