Jamaican Music

Richard Stephenson, better known as Richie Stephens, born December 5, 1966 in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica, is a R&B , dancehall and reggae singer and producer. In the early 90s Stephens was a part of the 2-time Grammy winning act Soul II Soul and had recorded at Motown , besides producing reggae records and establishing his own label, Pot of Gold . Later that decade he published famed dancehall singles like Winner , Bus the Place and the mock operatic Slop Dem . In 2006, Stephens was rewarded the Jamaican Governor-General’s Achievement Award for contributing to civic, social and recreational projects in and around the parish of Westmoreland.

Delroy Wilson (5 October 1948 - 6 March 1995) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer . His musical career was highlighted by tours to United Kingdom, election campaign songs, and awards. In 1994, Wilson’s enduring legacy to Jamaican music was recognized by a special plaque awarded him by the Jamaican government, and presented by the then Prime Minister, Patterson. Delroy Wilson died on 6 March 1995 at Kingston’s UWI hospital, of complications from cirrhosis of the liver. He was 46 years old.

Gregory Isaacs, born Gregory Anthony Isaacs on July 15, 1950 in Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica, is a Jamaican reggae musician. In the 1970s, he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his African Museum record label. Much of Isaacs’ output reflected the ‘conscious’ themes of roots reggae, but Isaacs was equally adept at interpreting more mainstream lovers rock material.

Beres Hammond, born Hgh Beresford Hammond on August 28, 1955 in Annotto Bay, Saint Mary, Jamaica, is a reggae singer from Jamaica who is particularly known for his romantic lovers rock style of music. Although his career began in the 1970s, he reached his greatest success in the 1990s.

I love this video remake of Bob Marley’s hit from the Exodus album. Turn Your Lights Down Low features his son Stephen as well as R&B/Soul Sing Lauren Hill. This video is bring and colorful and reminds me of those good days when nothing went wrong.

Dennis Emmanuel Brown was a Jamaican reggae singer. During his prolific career, he has recorded more than 75 albums and is considered as one of the pioneers of lovers rock, a sub-genre of reggae.

Damian Robert Nesta “Junior Gong” Marley is a three-time Grammy-winning reggae artist and is the youngest son of Bob Marley. Damian Marley was born on July 21, 1978 in Kingston, Jamaica and his nickname Junior Gong was taken from his father’s nickname, Tuff Gong. Unlike his brothers and sisters who have a career in music, he specializes in toasting, a Jamaican style of rapping.

I don’t know how I feel about Shaggy’s new hit, “Church Heathen”. I’m not sure if Shaggy has reformed and is going to be making “less slack” music but I feel like this song is putting down everything that he did before. He made the kind of music that he’s criticizing in the song. So let me know your thoughts on Shaggy’s “Church Heathen”.

Horace Andy, born Horace Hinds on February 19, 1951 in Kingston, Jamaica, is a roots reggae songwriter and singer, known for his falsetto vocals and hit songs such as Government Land, You Are My Angel, Skylarking, and his cover of Ain’t No Sunshine.

Chezidek, born Desbert Johnson on June 20, 1973 in St. Ann’s Bay/Parish, Jamaica, is a roots reggae singer. He is best known for his hits Call Pon Dem (featured in GTA IV), Can’t Hear Must Feel, Inna Di Road, and Leave De Trees.