Studio Queen: The Sonia Pottinger Story

Jamaica’s First Female Record Producer Who Shaped the Sound of Rocksteady, Reggae, and Roots from the Studio to the Charts

Dubmatix

Jun 18, 2025

Transcript

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From Ska to Roots – The Trailblazing Legacy of a Studio Queen

Sonia Pottinger holds a unique place in Jamaican music history. As the country’s first female record producer, she not only broke barriers but helped shape the very sound of ska, rocksteady, and reggae from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Early Life & Entry into Music

Born: June 21, 1931 – Leith Hall, Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica
Education: Attended St. George’s Girls School in Kingston
Training: Secretary and accountant
Marriage: Lindon O. Pottinger, accountant and entrepreneur

Together, the Pottingers ran a bicycle shop and bakery before opening Jamaica’s first Black-owned recording studio in 1961. Lindon also launched the Gaydisc and SEP labels (named after Sonia’s initials), producing early hits from:

The Maytals
Derrick Harriott
Lord Tanamo
Millie Small

Going Solo & Building a Legacy

After separating from Lindon in 1964, Sonia struck out on her own. She opened Tip Top Record Shop in Kingston (1965), and a year later released her first single:

“Every Night” – Joe White & Chuck (1966)

From there, she founded several labels—Gay Feet, Tip Top, Rainbow, and High Note—and became a leading force in the rocksteady and early reggae eras. Her productions included:

The Ethiopians – “The Whip”
Delano Stewart – “That’s Life”
The Melodians – “Swing and Dine”
Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Gaylads, Toots & The Maytals

Treasure Isle & Legal Victory

In 1974, Pottinger made a landmark move: she purchased the legendary Treasure Isle catalog from Duke Reid shortly before his passing.

Years later, her rights were challenged by:

Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s company
Duke Reid’s son, Anthony
Producer Bunny Lee

After a lengthy battle, Sonia won the case in 2009, cementing her legacy as the rightful owner of one of reggae’s most iconic catalogs.

Roots Reggae Queen

Sonia’s influence carried into the 1970s with essential roots reggae albums, including her most well-known production:

Harder Than the Rest – Culture (1978)

She also produced music for:

Bob Andy
Marcia Griffiths
U Roy
Big Youth
Justin Hinds
Sonia Spence
Slim Smith

Her work during this era was released across High Note, Treasure Isle, and the gospel label Glory.

Into Dancehall & Retirement

In the early dancehall period, she scored a hit with:

Archie & Lynn – “Rat in the Centre”

Sonia retired from music in 1985, leaving behind a vast catalog of genre-defining releases.

Final Years & Honour

Awarded Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in 2004
Passed away on November 3, 2010, after battling Alzheimer’s
Cultural leaders and artists attended her Thanksgiving service like:
- Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange
- Judy Mowatt
- Alvin Ranglin
- Donovan Germain
- Tommy Cowan

Recording Studios and Labels

Tip Top Record Shop: In 1965, Pottinger established the Tip Top Record Shop at 37 Orange Street in Kingston, a hub for Jamaican music.
Recording Studios: She utilized prominent studios such as Federal Recording Studio for her productions.
Record Labels: Pottinger founded several labels, including Gay Feet, High Note, Rainbow, and Glory (for gospel music), through which she released numerous hits.

Collaborations with Engineers and Musicians

Errol Brown: A key engineer in Pottinger's productions during the 1970s, Brown noted her deep passion for music and her clear vision in the studio.
Baba Brooks: Renowned trumpeter Baba Brooks served as her musical director, leading her recording band and contributing to the distinctive sound of her productions.
Session Musicians: Pottinger collaborated with a diverse array of talented musicians, including members of The Hippy Boys, whose lineup featured the Barrett brothers, later associated with The Wailers.

👉 If you’d like a deeper dive into Sonia’s legacy and story, there is a fantastic article on In Sheep’s Clothing Hi-Fi