When my dad opened Peckings, he sold rhythm and blues. One of the best-selling tracks was Amos Milburn's "One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer," a classic from 1953. Before reggae took off, rhythm and blues dominated the Jamaican music scene, which is what my dad initially imported to the shop.

Studio One defined the start of Jamaican music, and The Skatalites played a major role in this. My dad grew up with members of the band, and "Lee Harvey Oswald" was one of the early Studio One tracks sold at Peckings when we started importing records from Jamaica.

One of The Animals’ biggest hits, "House of the Rising Sun" (1964), ties into the Shepherd’s Bush area. The band lived in the area, and my personal connection was delivering papers to their house on Tabor Road, which had a gorilla drawn on the door! The song played a part in the broader rock and rhythm and blues culture that Peckings helped promote.

Millie Small, who lived on Blythe Road near Fela Kuti, was a significant figure in early Jamaican music. "My Boy Lollipop," her 1964 hit, was one of the first Jamaican records to achieve international success, and my dad knew her from the early Studio One days.

The Who’s connection to Shepherd’s Bush is undeniable. Their track "My Generation," released in 1965, put Shepherd’s Bush on the music map. The band lived in the area, and there's a Blue Plaque for them at the Goldhawk Social Club.

The transition from ska to rocksteady was marked by Alton Ellis, the king of rocksteady. His 1967 track "Rock Steady" captures the essence of that shift, a key era in Jamaican music. Studio One was crucial to our early success, and Alton Ellis’s music was at the forefront.

Labi Siffre, who lived on Goldhawk Road, is well-known for his classic "It Must Be Love," released in 1971. The track was later famously covered by Madness, but the original carries a timeless charm. Siffre’s connection to Shepherd’s Bush ties him to the local music scene, which was heavily influenced by nearby Peckings.

Fela Kuti lived on Sinclair Road, Shepherd’s Bush. His 1975 track "Water No Get Enemy" showcases his African jazz fusion, a style appreciated even by my dad, who was a jazz fan. Fela’s music, like reggae, was revolutionary.

In the Roots Reggae era, we worked with artists like Roy Forbes Allen, aka Hawkeye. He produced tracks like Tetrack’s "Let's Get Started," which was released in 1978 and produced by Augustus Pablo. This marked a deeper, more conscious reggae sound that Peckings helped promote.

The Sex Pistols’ "God Save the Queen," released in 1977, shook the nation. Paul Cook, the band’s drummer, lived on Carthew Road, where I used to hang out. The punk movement, much like reggae, represented rebellion and a break from tradition.

Local legends Mick Jones and Joe Strummer of The Clash would visit Peckings, and "London Calling" became an anthem. The track, released in 1979, reflects the spirit of West London’s punk scene, which had deep roots in Shepherd’s Bush.

Mikey Craig of Culture Club grew up in Shepherd’s Bush, just off Studland Street. Their hit "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" from 1982 connects the local area to a more pop-oriented sound that emerged in the '80s.

Amazulu, another band with local roots, saw success with their track "Too Good to Be Forgotten" in 1986. Members of the band still live in Shepherd’s Bush, maintaining a connection to the area’s vibrant music history.

John McLean, a reggae singer from Hammersmith Grove, recorded the hit "If I Gave My Heart to You" in 1987. Growing up together, we shared a love for reggae music, and his lover’s rock track remains one of the local anthems tied to our upbringing in Shepherd’s Bush.

Aswad, one of the most successful British reggae bands, hailed from Shepherd’s Bush. Their 1988 track "Don’t Turn Around" remains a defining moment in British reggae, and Tony Gad, one of the founding members, still lives in the area.

Yazz’s hit "The Only Way Is Up," released in 1988, ties back to Shepherd’s Bush, where singer Yazz attended Holland Park School. Her rise to pop stardom reflected the diversity of music connected to the area.

The Manic Street Preachers wrote "Askew Road" after spending time living in Shepherd’s Bush, including on Askew Road itself. The song, released in 2005, reflects their experiences and memories of the area. The lyrics touch on personal struggles and finding solace in a place full of challenges, making the song a poignant ode to their time in Shepherd’s Bush.

In 2009, we recorded Put This Stereo On with Gappy Ranks, a Harlesden native. "Heaven in Her Eyes" became a hit, still being played in clubs today. The album was even listed among the top 10 British reggae albums of all time by Red Bull.

Courtney John, nephew of the famous reggae artist Beres Hammond, recorded "Lucky Man" with us in 2010. The track did well, featuring in a Lynx advert and the film The Chef. This track represents how Peckings kept reggae relevant and alive, helping to immortalize our sound.

Finally, modern artist Central Cee, who hails from Shepherd’s Bush, represents the new generation. His 2021 hit "Obsessed With You" has placed him as one of the UK’s leading rappers, even filming videos locally, solidifying Shepherd’s Bush's place in contemporary music.