Vincent "Randy" Chin

(b. October 3. 1937, d. February 2. 2003) father to [a=Chris Chin] and [a=Clive Chin]. See also [l=Randy's] and [l=Randy's Records] and [l=Randy's Record Mart].

Foundation figure in the development of reggae, Vincent Chin started in the business by stacking jukeboxes, later using excess and replaced records to open his Randy's Records (the name coming from a US R'n'B radio show) later establishing a hugely successful distribution network.
He was one of the pioneers at recording local artists, promoting a distinctly Jamaican sound, first through versions of R'n'B hits and soon via the new ska beat with the best musicians in tow.
An early mentor and producer of such artists as [a=Lord Creator], [a=Toots & The Maytals] and [a=Alton Ellis], later In the 60s he opened [l=Randy's Studio] at [l=17 North Parade], a top of the range facility where all the big names recorded. After closing the studio in 1979, he moved to New York and with his wife Patricia - opened the VP (the initials of Vincent and Patricia) record store, distribution company and label: [l=VP Records] is now the biggest reggae label in the US.