Friday, June 24, 2011

Reggae: The Singers

For today's "old stuff" contribution I am providing some examples of top reggae vocalists. Some of these artists may be known to you and some may not. But they all share a mighty vocal instrument and an innate ability to express that, had they grown up in the US, likely would have given them a chance at stardom in Detroit, Memphis or LA.

Junior Murvin. The Clash's version had a nice edge, but this one is a vocal delight, and reflects Lee Scratch Perry at the height of his production powers.



Marley was called the King of Reggae, but Dennis Brown was known as the Crown Prince. He was successful as a solo artist, writer and producer.



My personal favorite is Gregory Isaacs, who was known as the "Cool Ruler".



Yes, this is a cover, but Al Brown nails it.



And if you like reggae covers of American R&B and soul, the Blood and Fire label published a great compilation titled Darker Than Blue.

One of the best voices of the rocksteady era belonged to Pat Kelly.



Delroy Wilson was known as the Cool Operator, and so is this song.



And here is the silky Ken Boothe.



Cornell Campbell had a beautiful falsetto--

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