Founded in 1977 by Chris Sedgwick and Chris Cracknell, Greensleeves Records is a UK label known for reggae and dancehall music. It launched major Jamaican artists like Barrington Levy, Yellowman, and Shabba Ranks, and its "Rhythm Album" compilations helped popularize Jamaican music globally. Greensleeves played an important role in introducing UK audiences to dancehall, dub, and roots reggae throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The label released notable albums from artists such as Eek-A-Mouse, Mad Cobra, and Beenie Man, and served as an incubator for innovative producers including Augustus Pablo and Scientist. Greensleeves has also contributed to the resurgence of vinyl releases and digital reissues, preserving classic reggae tracks for new generations.
The company was acquired by VP Records in 2008, further expanding its reach into international markets.
