Jamaican Music

A Jamaican ska and reggae singer, Phyllis Dillon began singing in talent contests and was influenced by American singers. It was during one of her performances with the groupThe Vulcans that she was discovered. She was only 19 when she recorded her first record, and she initially started doing covers of both popular and obscure American songs.

1967 marked a double life for Dillon as she flew back and forth from New York to Jamaica for her family and career and her recording for Duke Reid. She ended her recording career at the age of 24 but resumed her career in 1991 to tour London, Germany and Japan.

Dillon remained active in the music industry until her sickness took its toll on her. She died on April 15, 2004 after 2 years of battling cancer.

Lady Saw is the “First Lady of Dancehall”. Coming on the scene in the early 80’s she made a name for herself and was the first female deejay to win a Grammy Award. Lady Saw is also the first female to headline shows outside of Jamaica.

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Ruby Turner moved to England when she was 9, and her major musical break was in the mid-1980s, when she joined Culture Club. Her first album entitled Women Hold Up Half the Sky was released in 1986, to critical acclaim.

Ruby Turner was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. She moved to Handsworth, Birmingham, England when she was nine years old. Her major break came in the mid 1980s, when she joined Culture Club. A solo recording contract with Jive Records closely followed. Her first album, Women Hold Up Half The Sky, was released in 1986, to critical acclaim.

I Wayne, also known as Clifford Taylor hit the roots reggae scene in early 2000. He is known best for his hits, “Can’t Satisfy Her” and “Living in Love”.