The British Car Brand that Became a Synonym for Boss Reggae

Founded in 1914, Trojan was a British automobile manufacturer known for producing simple, affordable and durable cars. Although the company ceased consumer vehicle production in the 1960s (shifting its focus to niche areas like racing before ultimately closing down in 2013), its name lives on—in an unexpected place.

Back in the 1950s, Arthur “Duke” Reid, a flamboyant and highly influential record producer, DJ and label owner, rose to prominence as a sound system operator in Jamaica. He transported his equipment around town in a truck emblazoned with the words “Duke Reid – The Trojan King of Sounds.” The truck was a Trojan, of course, and that’s (probably) where Reid got his nickname from. (Another version of the story attributes it to his decade-long tenure as a police officer, when he was known for his toughness, but let’s stick with the truck story for now.)

Inspired by Reid and his music, Lee Gopthal founded Trojan Records in the UK in 1968. The label played a pivotal role in bringing Jamaican music to British audiences. In fact, Trojan Records became so influential that its name became synonymous with the sound itself. Today, early reggae is often referred to as boss reggae, skinhead reggae—or simply Trojan reggae. 

One standout track from the label’s vast catalog is today’s song: Ken Boothe’s “Live Good”, originally released in Jamaica in 1968 and later reissued by Trojan Records in the UK.

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• 1960s
• caribbean
• reggae