In the early 1960s, the Kong family ran Beverley’s Restaurant, Ice-Cream Parlour & Record Shop at 135A Orange Street, Kingston—a hub in Jamaica’s emerging music scene. One day in 1961, a teenage Jimmy Cliff auditioned his song “Dearest Beverley” outside the shop. Leslie Kong, impressed, recorded it and paired it with “Hurricane Hattie.” This single became Beverley’s first big hit and launched both Cliff’s career and the label itself.

Leslie Kong – I'm in a Rocking Mood (Alternate Version)

Jimmy Cliff – Hurricane Hattie

The Melodians – Rivers of Babylon

The Gaylads – It's All in the Game

Ken Boothe – It's Gonna Take a Miracle

Peter Tosh, The Wailers – Stop the Train

The Pioneers – Samphie Man

Bruce Downer – Free the People

Delroy Wilson – Got To Get Away

The Maytals – 54-46 That's My Number

The Pioneers – Money Day

The Wailers – Back Out

Desmond Dekker & The Aces, Desmond Dekker, ACES – Israelites

Ansel Collins – Sentimental Journey

The Maytals – Peeping Tom

Beverley’s Allstars – Be Yours

The Pioneers – Long Shot (Kick De Bucket)

Desmond Dekker & The Aces – 007 (Shanty Town)

The Maytals – Sweet and Dandy

Lloyd Clark – I Love You the Most

Ken Boothe – Freedom Street