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Sue Records UK was a subsidiary of Island Records, and was launched by Chris Blackwell and David Betteridge in 1963. The first issue, WI 301, was ‘Mockingbird’ by Inez and Charlie Foxx.  The first few releases were all sourced from Juggy Murray’s Sue records of New York. Gradually records were leased from other American record companies, and Juggy Murray returned his distribution in the UK to Decca/London American. Guy Stevens took over as label manager from David Betteridge after the first few releases on the label. UK Sue’s records were snapped up by collectors of soul, blues and rock and roll music and were much sought-after.

In the 1980s Ensign records relaunched the Sue label for a short time. In recent years some CDs have been released celebrating this legendary 1960s record label, which was originally closed by Island in 1969, but refused to die…

This website was launched on 30th October 2011. As well as celebrating Sue Records UK we also remember the product of Sue Records USA, which was founded by Henry ‘Juggy’ Murray and Bobby Robinson in 1957. The label got into financial difficulties and the masters were sold to United Artists in 1968. The masters are thought to be currently owned by Universal.

West Hampstead Life have an article which includes the history of Island Records. (Opens in new window.)

Island’s former address 108 Cambridge Road is now the site of a large block of apartments.

Sue Records US address was 265 West 54th Street, New York City.

All photos are credited where known. Some photos are public domain. Thanks to the many Sue fans who continue to help with information and photos and scans from their own collections.

This site replaces our old site on Wordpress, for which we no longer have access, the old site is no longer being updated.

Paul



Images:

Catalogue | Copyright Control | 25009

Guy Stevens | Manchester Soul | 25010

132 | 2 November 2025

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