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Launched in 1960, Blue Beat was a British record label that specialised in ska music. The label released recordings by the likes of Derrick Morgan, The Maytals and Prince Buster to a legion of fanatical Mod punters.

YouTube features a treasure trove of Blue Beat releases including Prince Buster classics Sting Like A Bee and the blistering Lion Of Judah and Domino by The Maytals.

The label eventually folded in 1967 - although it has been resurrected on occasion over the years - but not before it released a staggering 400-odd singles.

B is also for… The Beat: Formed in Birmingham in 1978, The Beat launched their career on The Special’s 2 Tone label along with Madness, The Selecter and The Bodysnatchers. They released a bunch of great records but Mirror In The Bathroom is The Beat’s skanking masterpiece.