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Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin is the dynamic force behind VP Records, the world’s leading reggae music label. Her contribution to the birth and growth of Reggae music is legendary. With energy, enthusiasm and steely determination, Miss Pat brought the music and culture to the world. Now in her 80s, the music industry matriarch tells her unique and pioneering story – straight from her heart – in the stunning book, Miss Pat – My Reggae Music Journey.
Shaggy with Miss Pat, Photo courtesy VP Records
Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1937, Miss Pat first built a reggae empire in her home town, Kingston, Jamaica with her late husband, Vincent “Randy” Chin. Their early ventures were the hugely popular Randy’s Record Mart store and the celebrated Studio 17, where many artists recorded including Bob Marley & the Wailers , Dennis Brown, Augustus Pablo, Toots & The Maytals, Gregory Isaacas, Alton Ellis and many more. After moving to New York in 1977, the Chins opened a Record Store in Jamaica Queens in 1979 and by 1993 the label was fully established. The rest is history.
Miss Pat and family, Photo courtesy VP Records
More about Miss Pat – My Reggae Music Journey
Part-memoir, part-photo album, Miss Pat: My Reggae Music Journey is the personal story of a reggae music maven, as never told before. As a female pioneer, in a male-dominated industry, company matriarch, philanthropist, Grammy Award-winning VP Records co-founder, retailer, merchandiser and recipient of numerous accolades, Miss Pat has left her indelible mark and impacted the lives of many during the course of her six decade-long career.
Through decades of transition, Miss Pat – who received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Independent Music in 2015 – has triumphed over adversity. Miss Pat: My Reggae Music Journey is not a typical “vanity” autobiography. At its core, beyond the star-studded, legendary musical names that whiz by the reader at dizzying speeds, it is a book about family; love of home & homeland; perseverance; and business agility. With the help of co-authors Anicee Gaddis, John Masouri, Alex Lee and James “Jazz” Goring, it is presented with a humility and warmth that draws the reader in, no matter their knowledge of music or even Miss Pat’s illustrious history.
Presented with many never seen, artist and family photos and original illustrations by the late Michael Thompson and Maria Papaefstathiou (the book’s designer), My Reggae Music Journey covers 70 years of music history. Quotes and memories from luminaries including, former Jamaican Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, Chris Blackwell, Lee “Scratch” Perry, the late producer Edward “Bunny” Lee and her children, who work in the business – all testify to the remarkable spirit that is Patricia Chin.
Miss Pat at the console, Photo courtesy VP Records
The book is published by Gingko Press. 212 pages, Hardcover 9″ x 12.” A companion audio release through VP Records is scheduled for release later this year.
Available from all good book shops/ record stores/ Amazon and The VandP Foundation
Miss Pat and The VandP Foundation
42 years after its debut record release, Miss Pat continues to lead the world’s largest independent reggae record label and distributor of Caribbean music, VP Records. Over the years she has also become passionate about supporting young people through music & education in Jamaica, through her V&P foundation – a charity focused on the upliftment of Caribbean youth through education and the arts. Part proceeds from the book purchased via the foundation will go to education projects in Jamaica.
If you would like to donate to the V&P Foundation, please visit: vandpfoundation.org
DISCOVER MORE/ CONNECT
Digital review copies of the book are available now on request.
Physical review copies of the book will be available for confirmed coverage assignments.
Miss Pat is available for phone/video interviews.
Please email: [email protected]
