Michael Eavis - Island Records Boss Blackwell Named Most Influential Music Executive

Island Records founder CHRIS BLACKWELL beat Glastonbury festival founder MICHAEL EAVIS and THE BEATLES producer GEORGE MARTIN to land the title of the most influential music executive of the last 50 years at the Music Week Awards in London on Wednesday night (08Apr09).

Blackwell, who discovered Bob Marley and gave U2 their big break, also beat out Richard Branson and producer Mickie Most among the 20 industry figures shortlisted for the title.

Late music publicist Rob Partridge, who advised Blackwell to sign U2 to his label in the early 1980s, was also honoured at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Duffy's manager Jeanette Lee was named Manager of The Year at the event.