Pama records was a United Kingdom record label active during the 1960s and 1970s. Initially focused on soul music, it became one of the major outlets for reggae in the UK.

History

The label was set up by the Palmer Brothers - Harry, Jeff, and Carl - initially as a soul label, but later concentrating on Jamaican music, releasing rocksteady singles from 1967. Much of the label's output was licenced from Jamaican producers such as Clancy Eccles, Alton Ellis, Bunny Lee, and Lee "Scratch" Perry, although they also released music by local talents such as Junior English and Delroy Washington. Derrick Morgan became one of Pama's biggest stars, having a UK chart hit with "Moon Hop". Pama's biggest hit came with Max Romeo's "Wet Dream", which reached #10 in the UK singles chart (despite lack of airplay, in part due to its risqué lyric), and sold over 250,000 copies.

The rivalry between Pama and their main UK reggae competitor, Trojan Records, was clear, with Trojan's ''Tighten Up'' series of compilations and Pama's similarly titled ''Straighten Up'' series going head to head. The rivalry had been fuelled by Bunny Lee's earlier licencing of Derrick Morgan's "Seven Letters" to both Pama and Trojan.

Pama introduced a number of subsidiary labels, often associated with individual producers, including Pama Supreme, Supreme, Crab, Bullet, Gas, Nu Beat/New Beat (Laurel Aitken), Success (Rupie Edwards), Camel, Escort, Unity (Bunny Lee), and Punch (Lee "Scratch" Perry).

In addition to the many reggae releases, the label also released few non-reggae albums, including ''Butlins Red Coat Review'', and an album commemorating the investiture of The Prince of Wales.

The Pama label lasted until the mid-1970s, at which point Carl Palmer was the driving force, and concentrated on establishing a UK distribution network for reggae, later resurfacing as Jet Star, one of the largest distributors of reggae music.

References

Category:British record labels Category:Ska record labels Category:Reggae record labels

hr:Pama Records it:Pama Records ru:Pama Records

Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Alton Ellis
landscape	Yes
background	solo_singer
birth name	Alton Nehemiah Ellis
alias	The Godfather of Rocksteady
birth date	September 01, 1938
died	October 10, 2008London, England
origin	Kingston, Jamaica
instrument	Vocals
genre	R&B;, ska, rocksteady, reggae
occupation	Singer-songwriter
years active	1959–2008
label	Studio One, Treasure Isle, Trojan
website	}}

Alton Nehemiah Ellis, OD, (September 1, 1938 – October 10, 2008) was a Jamaican musician best known as one of the innovators of rocksteady music and was often referred to as the "Godfather of Rocksteady". In 2006, he was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame.

Biography

Ellis was born in 1938 and grew up in Kingston's Trench Town district. Born into a musical family, he learned to play piano at a young age. He attended Ebeneezer and Boys' Town schools, where he excelled in both music and sport. He initially sought fame as a dancer, competing on Vere Johns' ''Opportunity Hour''. After winning a couple of competitions, he switched to singing, starting his career in 1959 as part of the duo ''Alton & Eddy'' with Eddy Perkins. Ellis and Perkins recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, initially in the R&B; style, having a massive hit with "Muriel" (from Dodd's first commercially-oriented recording session at Federal studios), a song Ellis had written whilst working as a labourer on a building site and recording follow-ups with "My Heaven", "Lullabye Angel", "I Know It All", "I'm Never Gonna Cry" and "Yours". The duo also recorded a few tracks for Vincent Chin's Randy's label, but came to an end when after winning a major talent contest, Perkins moved to the United States. Ellis remained in Kingston, working as a printer and after losing his job, he restarted his music career, initially forming a new duo with John Holt. When Holt joined The Paragons, Ellis formed a new group, The Flames. Ellis continued to work for Dodd and also recorded for his arch-rival, Duke Reid on his Treasure Isle label. By the mid 1960s, ska was moving on and the beat was slowing down to rocksteady and becoming associated with the violent rude boy subculture in Jamaican dancehalls. Many artists made records referring to the rude boys, including Ellis, although his records were consistently anti-rudie, including "Don't Trouble People", "Dance Crasher", and "Cry Tough", in contrast to artists such as Bob Marley, whom Ellis blamed for glorifiying the rudies. Recording with The Flames (the varying line-up of which included his brother Leslie Ellis, David "Baby G" Gordon and Winston Jarrett), Ellis scored big with the hits "Girl I've Got a Date", "Cry Tough" and "Rock Steady", which was the first song to refer to the name of the newer genre. As rocksteady dominated the Jamaican airwaves for the next two years, Ellis continued to score hits for Treasure Isle, working with artists such as Lloyd Charmers, Phyllis Dillon and The Heptones. His ''Mr Soul of Jamaica'' album is regarded as one of the definitive rocksteady albums.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ellis recorded for some of Jamaica's top producers, having two huge hits with Lloyd Daley in "Deliver Us" and "Back to Africa" and recording for Bunny Lee, Keith Hudson, and Herman Chin Loy. Ellis toured the United Kingdom in the 1967 with Ken Boothe and Studio One session band the Soul Vendors and on his return to Jamaica he worked with Dodd, recording the tracks that would be released as his debut album ''Alton Ellis Sings Rock & Soul''. He also began to produce his own records, including "My Time Is The Right Time" and "The Message".

Ellis regularly returned to England, working with several London-based producers and after spending a few years in Canada, from 1972 he based himself permanently in the UK. Ellis continued to record and perform regularly, recording in the early 1980s for emerging producers including Henry "Junjo" Lawes, Sugar Minott, and King Jammy. He also opened up the ''All-Tone'' record shop in South London, and started a record label of the same name.

The "Mad Mad" riddim, first recorded by Ellis in 1967 would later be recycled in more than one hundred other songs. The instantly recognizable three-note descending horn line was reinterpreted by Henry "Junjo" Lawes and eventually became known widely as the "Diseases" reggae riddim. "Diseases" is notably utilized in Yellowman's hit song ""Zungguzungguguzungguzeng", which has in turn has been sampled and reinterpreted by a long list of popular hip hop artists including KRS-One, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur and Blackstar. This constant reinterpretation and referencing has made Ellis a major but little-known influence in the trajectory of dancehall, reggae and hip hop.

Ellis continued to be active on the reggae scene until his health began to deteriorate. His latest works include performing all over Europe with a French backing-band called ASPO (About Some Precioux Oldies) at the beginning of the 21st century. Recorded in Bordeaux, France, ''Live with Aspo: Workin' on a Groovy Thing'' is the only live album Alton Ellis ever published (2001).

In 2004, Ellis was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in recognition of his achievements.

In December 2007, he was admitted to hospital in London for treatment of cancer of the lymph glands, but he returned to live performance after receiving chemotherapy.

Ellis died on 10 October 2008 at Hammersmith Hospital, west London, of cancer. His death prompted a statement from Jamaica's Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who said "even as we mourn the great Alton Ellis, we must give thanks for his monumental contribution to the development of Jamaica's popular music". A funeral service and celebration of his life was held on the 3rd of November, attended by family, fans, music industry personnel and government ministers, with tribute performances from stars including Winston 'Fix It' Francis, Tinga Stewart, George Nooks, Tony Gregory, Ken Boothe, Judy Mowatt and Carlene Davis.

He was the older brother of the late Hortense Ellis, and the father of more than twenty children including Noel Ellis and Christopher Ellis, who are both reggae singers.

Discography

Albums

''Mr Soul of Jamaica'' (Treasure Isle, 1967)

''Sings Rock and Soul'' (Studio One, 1967)

''The Best Of'' (Coxsone, 1969)

''Sunday Coming'' (Coxsone, 1970)

''Greatest Hits'' (Count Shelly, 1973)

*Later released as ''Cry Tough'' (Heartbeat, 1993)

''Still in Love'' (Horse, 1977)

''A Love to Share'' (Third World, 1979)

''Showcase'' (Studio One, 1984)

''Slummin''' (Abraham, 198?)

''A New Day'' (Body Music, 1983)

''Daydreaming'' (Silver Camel, 1983)

''25th Silver Jubilee'' (Sky Note, 1984)

''Continuation'' (All Tone, 1985)

''Jubilee Volume 2'' (Sky Note, 1985)

''Here I Am'' (Angella, 1988)

''Family Vibes'' (All Tone, 1992)

''Man From Studio One'' (All Tone, 1994)

''Change My Mind'' (Orchard, 2000)

''More Alton Ellis'' (T.P., 2001)

''Live with Aspo: Workin' on a Groovy Thing'' (Belleville International/Patate Records, 2001)

;With the Heptones:

''Mr Ska Bean'a'' (Cha Cha, 1981)

''Alton Ellis Sings, Heptones Harmonise'' (1978–80) (Jet Star, 19??)

;With Hortense Ellis:

''Alton & Hortense Ellis at Studio 1'' (Heartbeat, 1990)

Compilations

''All My Tears'' (1965–68) (Brook, 2006)

''Arise Black Man'' (1968–78) (Moll Selekta, 19??)

''Be True to Yourself'' (196?-7?) (Trojan, 2004)

''Get Ready for Rock Reggae Steady'' (1967–74) (Jamaican Gold, 1999)

''Many Moods of Alton Ellis'' (1978–80) (Tele-Tech, 1980)

''My Time Is the Right Time'' (1966–71) (Westside, 2000)

''Reggae Valley of Decision'' (197X) (House of Reggae, 1996)

''Soul Groover'' (Trojan, 1997)

''Reggae Max'' (Jet Star, 1997)

''The Duke Reid Collection'' (Rhino, 1999)

''Soul of Jamaica'' (Bianco, 2001)

''It Hurts Me So'' (Essential Gold, 2006)

''Reggae Chronicles'' (Hallmark, 2006)

''Muriel'' (All Tone, 2007)

References

External links

Alton Ellis at Roots Archives

"Sleepy Meets Mr. Soul at Ladbroke Grove" - interview with Alton Ellis and Horace Andy by Lol Bell-Brown and Mark Ottignon

Rebel Base interview

Category:1940 births Category:2008 deaths Category:Jamaican expatriates in the United Kingdom Category:People from Kingston, Jamaica Category:Rocksteady musicians Category:Jamaican emigrants to the United Kingdom Category:Jamaican reggae musicians Category:Trojan Records artists

ca:Alton Ellis de:Alton Ellis es:Alton Ellis fr:Alton Ellis it:Alton Ellis he:אלטון אליס ht:Alton Ellis ja:アルトン・エリス pl:Alton Ellis

Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Derrick Morgan
background	solo_singer
birth date	March 27, 1940
death date
origin	Clarendon Parish, Jamaica
instrument	Vocals
genre	Rocksteady, Reggae, ska
label	Treasure Isle, Crab Records
notable instruments	}}

Derrick Morgan (born 27 March 1940, Mocho, Clarendon Parish, Jamaica) is a musical artist popular in the 1960s and 1970s. He worked with Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff in the rhythm and blues and ska genres, and he also performed rocksteady and skinhead reggae.

Biography

In 1957 Morgan entered the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour, a talent show held at the Palace Theatre in Kingston. He won with rousing impressions of Little Richard, and shortly after that, was recruited to perform around the island with the popular Jamaican comedy team, Bim and Bam. In 1959 Morgan entered the recording studio for the first time. Duke Reid, the acclaimed sound system boss, was looking for talent to record for his Treasure Isle record label. Morgan cut two popular shuffle-boogie sides "Lover Boy", a.k.a. "S-Corner Rock", and "Oh My". Soon after, Morgan cut the bolero tinged boogie, "Fat Man", which also became a hit. He also found time to record for Coxsone Dodd.

In 1960 Morgan became the only artist ever to fill the places from one to seven on the Jamaican pop chart simultaneously. Among those hits were "Don't Call Me Daddy", "In My Heart", "Be Still", and "Meekly Wait and Murmur Not". But it was the following year that Morgan released the biggest hit of his career, the Leslie Kong production of "You Don't Know", later retitled "Housewives’ Choice" by a local DJ. The song featured a bouncing ska riddim, along with a duet by Morgan and Millicent "Patsy" Todd.

"Housewives’ Choice" began the legendary rivalry between Morgan and Prince Buster, who accused Morgan of stealing his ideas. Buster quickly released "Blackhead Chiney Man", chiding Morgan with the sarcastic put-down, "I did not know your parents were from Hong Kong" – a swipe at Kong. Morgan returned with the classic "Blazing Fire", in which he warns Buster to "Live and let others live, and your days will be much longer. You said it. Now it’s the Blazing Fire". Buster shot back with, "Watch It Blackhead", which Morgan countered with "No Raise No Praise" and "Still Insist". Followers of the two artists often clashed, and eventually the government had to step in with a staged photo shoot depicting the rivals as friends.

In the mid-1960s, when ska evolved into the cooler, more soulful rocksteady, Morgan continued to release top quality material, including the seminal rude boy classic, "Tougher Than Tough", "Do the Beng Beng", "Conquering Ruler", and a cover of Ben E. King’s soul hit, "Seven Letters". Produced by Bunny Lee, "Seven Letters" is often cited as the first true reggae single. In 1969 Morgan cut the famous skinhead anthem, "Moon Hop" (on Crab Records). However, failing eyesight then forced him to give up regular stage appearances. Morgan still performs occasionally at ska revival shows across the world – often backed by the guitarist, Lynn Taitt. He remained popular in Jamaica and the UK into the early 1970s, and has lived primarily in the UK or the US since the late 1960s.

In July 2002 in Toronto, Canada, a two night 'Legends of Ska' concert was held. Reuniting were The Skatalites, Lloyd Knibb, Rico Rodriguez, Lloyd Brevett, Lester Sterling, Johnny Moore and Lynn Taitt; along with Prince Buster, Alton Ellis, Owen Gray, Lord Creator, Justin Hinds, Derrick Harriott, Winston Samuels, Roy Wilson, Patsy Todd, Doreen Shaffer, Stranger Cole, Lord Tanamo and Derrick Morgan. In 2007 Morgan appeared on the bill at the annual Augustibuller music festival. His song "Tougher Than Tough" was featured in the video game, '' Scarface: The World is Yours''.

Discography

Albums

''Seven Letters'' (1969)

''Derrick Morgan in London'' (1969)

''Moon Hop'' (1970)

''Feel So Good'' (1975) (featuring Hortense Ellis)

''People's Decision'' (1977)

''Still in Love'' (1977) (also featuring Hortense Ellis)

''Sunset at Moonlight City''

''Love City''

''The Legend of Derrick Morgan'' (1980)

''I Am the Ruler'' (1992) - Trojan Records

''Tougher Than Tough (Rudie in Court)'' (1992)

''The Conquering Ruler'' (and the Sensational Yebo) (1994) - Pork Pie Records

''Ska Man Classics'' (1995)

''Ska Man Classics'' (1997)

''21 Hits Salute'' (1997)

''Meets the High Notes Live'' (2003)

''Moon Hop: Best of the Early Years 1960-69'' (2003)

''Derrick:Top the Top'' (2003)

''Derrick Meets the High Notes'' (2004)

Singles

"The Hop" / "Tell It To Me", 7": Island WI 006, UK, 1962

"Forward March" / "Please Don't Talk About Me", 7": Island WI 011, UK, 1962

"See The Blind" / "Cherry Home", 7": Island WI 013, UK, 1962

"Moon Hop" - 1970 - UK No. 49 Singles on Crab Records

River To The Bank / Reggae Limbo 7" (B side - Peter King)

Seven Letters / Lonely Heartaches 7" (B side - The Tartons)

The First Taste Of Love / Dance All Night 7"

Don't Play That Song / How Can I Forget You 7"

Mek It Tan Deh / Gimme Back 7"

Send Me Some Loving / Come What May 7"

Hard Time / Death Rides A Horse 7" (B Side - Roy Richards)

Man Pon Moon / What A Thing 7"

Moon Hop / Harris Wheel 7" (B Side - Reggaeites)

A Night At The Hop / Telephone 7"

Oh Baby / The Rat 7" (B Side - The Thunderbirds)

Need To Belong / Let's Have Some Fun 7" (With Jennifer Jones)

I Wish I Was An Apple / The Story 7"

Take A Letter Maria / Just A Little Loving 7" (With Owen Gray)

Rocking Good Way / Wipe These Tears 7" (With Jennifer Jones)

My Dickie / Brixton Hop 7"

I Can't Stand It No Longer / Beyond The Wall 7"

Endlessly / Who's Making Love 7"

Hurt Me / Julia 7"

Searching So Long / Drums Of Passion 7"

See also

Crab Records

Reggae genres

List of ska musicians

List of reggae musicians

References

External links

[ Derrick Morgan biography] at Allmusic website

Reggaetrain.com biography

Interview with Derrick Morgan

Fansite discography

Jamaica Observer article on the rivalry with Prince Buster

''Moon Hop: Best of the Early Years 1960-69'' review

Category:1940 births Category:Living people Category:Jamaican ska musicians Category:Jamaican reggae musicians Category:People from Clarendon Parish Category:Trojan Records artists

ca:Derrick Morgan de:Derrick Morgan fr:Derrick Morgan it:Derrick Morgan ja:デリック・モーガン

Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Freddie McGregor
background	solo_singer
born	June 27, 1956, Clarendon, Jamaica
died
genre	Reggae, lovers rock, ska, rocksteady, roots reggae
occupation	Singer, record producer
years active	1963–present
label	VP, Greensleeves, Studio One, Polydor, RAS, various
website	freddiemcgregor.com
notable instruments	}}

Freddie McGregor (born 27 June 1956, Clarendon, Jamaica) has been variously a singer, musician and producer. According to Allmusic he is one of reggae's most durable and soulful singers, with a steady career that started in the 1960s, when he was just seven years old.

Biography

In 1963 he joined with Ernest Wilson and Peter Austin to form The Clarendonians, and began to record for the Studio One label. McGregor worked with producer Niney the Observer during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

In 1975, McGregor converted to Rastafari, which had a profound impact on his music. He is a member of the Twelve Tribes organization.

His popularity soared in the early 1980s with the release of "Bobby Babylon". Other popular hits of McGregor's include "Big Ship", "Push Comes to Shove", "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely" and "I Was Born a Winner"; as well as cover versions of many early reggae standards. He has also worked with producers Junjo Lawes, Linval Thompson, and Gussie Clarke. McGregor has also toured extensively for many years.

In 1984, he inaugurated his own Big Ship label, secured a licensing agreement with RAS Records in U.S. and released ''Come On Over'' in 1987.

After slowing his pace in the late 1990s, McGregor returned in 2000 with the acclaimed ''Signature'', which restored his typical balance of roots reggae and lovers rock with touches of dancehall. He followed it two years later with a similarly well-received album, the Grammy nominated, ''Anything for You''.

He established the Big Ship Recording Studio, and has produced many artists including Luciano and Mikey Spice.

One of McGregor's three sons, Stephen, is a dancehall record producer.

McGregor has spanned nearly every stylistic shift in Jamaican music, from ska and rocksteady to Rastafarian roots reggae to lovers rock to dabblings in dancehall, ragga, and dub.

In a 2011 interview, he expressed concern many veteran artists, including himself, struggled for local radio play of their newer material, which he felt may be "lost" over time as a result.

Discography

Albums

''Bobby Bobylon'' (1979) Studio One

''Mr. McGregor'' aka ''Freddie McGregor'' (1979) Observer/Jackal/56 Hope Rd/Mercury

''Lovers Rock (Showcase Jamaica Style)'' (1981) Live & Love

''Showcase'' (1981) Observer

''Big Ship'' (1982) Greensleeves/Thompson Sounds

''I Am Ready'' (1982) Coxsone/Studio One

''Love At First Sight'' (1982) Intense

''Come On Over'' (1983) RAS

''Rhythm So Nice'' (1983) Thompson Sounds

''Across The Border'' (1984) RAS

''All In The Same Boat'' (1986) RAS

''Freddie McGregor'' (1987) Polydor

''Don't Want To Be Lonely'' Studio One

''Live at the Town & Country Club'' (1991) VP

''FM'' (1992) High Times

''Live in London 1991'' (1993) Charly

''Roots Man Skanking'' Clocktower

''Sing Jamaican Classics Vol.1 ''

''Jamaican Classics Vol.2'' (1998) Big Ship

''Magic In The Air'' (1999) Big Ship

''Zion Chant'' (1999) Heartbeat

''Signature'' (2000) VP

''Rumours'' (2000) Greensleeves

''Carry Go Bring Come'' (2000) Greensleeves

''Hard to Get'' (2000) Greensleeves

''Forever My Love'' (2000) RAS

''Push On'' (2002) Big Ship

''Lovers Rock'' (2003) Prestige

''Anything For You'' (2002) VP

''Reggae Max'' (2003) Jet Star

''Heart Is Willing'' (2003) Charm

''Rhythms of My Heart'' (2004) Nuff

''Comin' in Tough '' (2005) VP

''Masterpiece'' (200?) VP

''Mister Eudaric Riddim'' (2009)

''Mr.McGregor'' (2009) VP

''Giants'' (2009) Joe Gibbs Publishing

UK hit singles

The following were hits on the UK Singles Chart:

"Just Don't Want To Be Lonely" (1987) - #9

"That Girl (Groovy Situation)" (1987) - #47

DVDs and videos

Freddie McGregor releases

''Live'' Video Music, Inc. (DVD)

Various artists releases featuring McGregor

''A Reggae Christmas'' (1988) RAS

''Sunsplash '90 - Reggae Rockers'' (1990) Wienerworld (DVD)

''The Reggae Movie'' (1996) Geneon (DVD)

''Golden Voices of Reggae'' (2005) Island MVD (DVD)

''Western Consciousness Pt 2'' (2005) Island MVD (DVD)

See also

List of reggae musicians

List of roots reggae artists

List of performers on Top of the Pops

VP Records

Rastafari movement

References

External links

Official website

Pogus Caesar photos of Freddie McGregor at Sunsplash UK

Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:Jamaican reggae musicians Category:Jamaican male singers Category:Jamaican record producers Category:People from Clarendon Parish Category:Jamaican Rastafarians Category:Trojan Records artists

de:Freddie McGregor fr:Freddie McGregor hu:Freddie McGregor

Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Laurel Aitken
landscape	yes
background	solo_singer
birth name	Lorenzo Aitken
birth date	April 22, 1927
death date
origin	Cuba
instrument	Vocalist
genre	Ska
notable instruments	}}

Lorenzo Aitken (April 22, 1927 – July 17, 2005), better known as Laurel Aitken, was a singer and one of the originators of Jamaican ska music. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of ska".

Career

Born in Cuba of mixed Cuban and Jamaican descent, Aitken and his family settled in Jamaica in 1938. After an early career working for the Jamaican Tourist Board singing mento songs for visitors arriving at Kingston Harbour, he became a popular nightclub entertainer. His first recordings in the late 1950s were mento tunes such as "Nebuchnezer", "Sweet Chariot" (aka the gospel classic "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot") and "Baba Kill Me Goat". Progressing to a pre-ska shuffle, Aitken's 1958 single "Little Sheila"/"Boogie in My Bones" was one of the first records produced by Chris Blackwell, who founded his Island Records label that year, and the first Jamaican popular music record to be released in the United Kingdom. Other rock and roll singles from this period include "Low Down Dirty Girl", "Drinkin' Whisky" and "More Whisky", produced by Duke Reid.

Aitken moved to Brixton, London in 1960 and recorded for the Blue Beat label, releasing fifteen singles before returning to Jamaica in 1963. He recorded for Duke Reid, with backing from The Skatalites on tracks such as "Zion" and "Weary Wanderer", before returning to the UK, where he began working with Pama Records. He recorded hits such as "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants", which led to a wider recognition outside of Jamaica and the UK. This cemented his position as one of ska's leading artists and earned him the nicknames ''The Godfather of Ska'', and later ''Boss Skinhead''. He gained a loyal following not only among the West Indian community, but also among mods, skinheads and other ska fans. He had hit records in the United Kingdom and other countries in the 1950s through to the 1970s on labels such as Blue Beat, Pama, Trojan, Rio, Dr. Bird, Nu-Beat, Ska-Beat,Hot Lead and Dice. Some of his singles featured B-sides credited to his brother, guitarist Bobby Aitken. Aitken also recorded a few talk-over/deejay tracks under the guise of 'King Horror', such as "Loch Ness Monster", "Dracula, Prince of Darkness", and "The Hole". Aitken settled in Leicester with his wife in 1970. His output slowed in the 1970s and during this period he worked as an entertainer in nightclubs and restaurants in the area including the popular 'Costa Brava Restaurant' in Leicester under his real name Lorenzo. In 1980, with ska enjoying a resurgence in the wake of the 2 Tone movement, Aitken had his only success in the UK Singles Chart with "Rudi Got Married" (#60). Aitken's career took in mento/calypso, R&B;, ska, rock steady, and reggae, and in the 1990s he even turned his talents to dancehall. He performed occasional concerts almost until his death from a heart attack in 2005. After a long campaign, a blue plaque in his honour was put up at his Leicester home in 2007.

Discography

Albums

''Ska With Laurel'' (1965, Rio)

''High Priest of Reggae'' (1969, Nu-Beat)

''Laurel Aitken Meets Floyd Lloyd and the Potato Five '' (1987, Gaz's) (with The Potato 5)

''Early Days of Blue Beat, Ska and Reggae'' (1988, Bold Reprive)

''True Fact'' (1988, Rackit) (with The Potato 5)

''Ringo The Gringo'' (1989, Unicorn)

''It's Too Late'' (1989, Unicorn)

''Rise and Fall'' (1989, Unicorn)

''Sally Brown'' (1989, Unicorn)

''Rasta Man Power'' (1992, ROIR)

''The Blue Beat Years'' (1996, Moon Ska)

''Rocksteady Party'' (1996, Blue Moon) (with The Potato 5)

''The Story So Far'' (1999, Grover)

''Woppi King'' (1997, Trybute)

''The Pama Years'' (1999, Grover)

''The Long Hot Summer'' (1999, Grover) (Laurel Aitken and The Skatalites)

''Clash of The Ska Titans'' (1999, Moon Ska) (Laurel Aitken versus The Skatalites)

''Pioneer of Jamaican Music'' (2000, Reggae Retro)

''Godfather of Ska'' (2000, Grover)

''Jamboree'' (2001, Grover)

''Rudi Got Married'' (2004, Grover)

''En Espanol'' (2004, Liquidator)

''Live at Club Ska'' (2004, Trojan)

''The Pioneer of Jamaican Music'' (2005, Reggae Retro)

''Super Star'' (2005, Liquidator)

''The Very Last Concert'' (2007, Soulove) (CD + DVD)

Singles

"Nebuchnezer/Sweet Chariot" (1958, Kalypso)

Low Down Dirty Girl" (1959, Duke Reid)

"Drinkin' Whiskey" (1959 )

"Boogie Rock" (1960, Blue Beat)

"Jeannie Is Back" (1960, Blue Beat)

"Judgement Day" (1960, Blue Beat)

"Railroad Track" (1960, Blue Beat)

"More Whisky" (1960, Blue Beat)

"Aitken's Boogie" (1960, Kalypso)

"Baba Kill Me Goat" (1960, Kalypso)

"Boogie In My Bones" (1960, Starlite)

"Honey Girl" (1960, Starlite)

"Hey Bar Tender" (1961, Blue Beat)

"Bouncing Woman" (1961, Blue Beat)

"Mighty Redeemer" (1961, Blue Beat)

"Mary Lee" (1961, Melodisc)

"Love Me Baby" (1961, Starlite)

"Brother David" (1962, Blue Beat)

"Lucille" (1962, Blue Beat)

"Sixty Days & Sixty Nights" (1962, Blue Beat)

"Jenny Jenny" (1962, Blue Beat)

"Mabel" (1962, Dice)

"Lion of Judah" (1963, Black Swan)

"The Saint" (1963, Black Swan)

"Zion City" (1963, Blue Beat)

"Little Girl" (1963, Blue Beat)

"Oh Jean" (1963, Dice)

"Sweet Jamaica" (1963, Dice)

"Low Down Dirty Girl" (1963, Duke)

"I Shall Remove" (1963, Island)

"What a Weeping" (1963, Island)

"In My Soul" (1963, Island)

"Adam & Eve" (1963, Rio)

"Mary" (1963, Rio)

"Bad Minded Woman" (1963, Rio)

"Devil or Angel" (1963, Rio)

"Freedom Train" (1963, Rio)

"This Great Day" (1964, Blue Beat)

"West Indian Cricket Test" (1964, JNAC)

"Pick Up Your Bundle" (1964, R&B;)

"Yes Indeed" (1964, R&B;)

"Bachelor Life" (1964, R&B;)

"Leave Me Standing" (1964, Rio)

"John Saw Them Coming" (1964, Rio)

"Rock of Ages" (1964, Rio)

"Jamaica" (1965, Dice)

"We Shall Overcome" (1965, Dice)

"Mary Don't You Weep" (1965, Rio)

"Mary Lou" (1965, Rio)

"One More Time" (1965, Rio)

"Let's Be Lovers" (1965, Rio)

"Clementine" (1966, Blue Beat)

"Don't Break Your Promises" (1966, Rainbow)

"Voodoo Woman" (1966, Rainbow)

"How Can I Forget You" (1966, Rio)

"Baby Don't Do It" (1966, Rio)

"We Shall Overcome" (1966, Rio)

"Clap Your Hands" (1966, Rio)

"Jumbie Jamboree" (1966, Ska-Beat)

"Propaganda" (1966, Ska-Beat)

"Green Banana" (1966, Ska-Beat)

"Rock Steady" (1967, Columbia Blue Beat)

"I'm Still In Love With You Girl" (1967, Columbia Blue Beat)

"Never Hurt You" (1967, Fab)

"Sweet Precious Love" (1967, Rainbow)

"Mr. Lee" (1968, Dr. Bird)

"La La La (Means I Love You)" (1968, Dr. Bird)

"For Sentimental Reasons" (1968, Fab)

"Fire In Your Wire" (1969, Dr. Bird)

"Rice & Peas" (1969, Dr. Bird)

"Reggae Prayer" (1969, Dr. Bird)

"The Rise & Fall Of Laurel Aitken" (1969, Dr. Bird)

"Haile Haile" (1969, Dr. Bird)

"Carolina" (1969, Dr. Bird)

"Think Me No Know" (1969, Junior)

"Woppi King" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Suffering Still" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Haile Selassie" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Lawd Doctor" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Run Powell Run" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Save The Last Dance" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Don't Be Cruel" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Shoo Be Doo" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Landlords & Tenants" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Jesse James" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Pussy Price Gone Up" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Skinhead Train" (1969, Nu-Beat)

"Donkey Man" (1969, Unity)

"Pussy Got Thirteen Life" (1970, Ackee)

"Sin Pon You" (1970, Ackee)

"Moon Rock" (1970, Bamboo)

"Skinhead Invasion" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"I've Got Your Love" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Scandal In Brixton Market" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Nobody But Me" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"I'll Never Love Any Girl" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Reggae Popcorn" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Baby I Need Your Loving" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Sex Machine" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Pachanga" (1970, Nu-Beat)

"Mary's Boy Child" (1970, Pama)

"Why Can't I Touch You" (1970, Pama Supreme)

"Dancing With My Baby" (1971, Big Shot)

"If It's Hell Below" (1971, Black Swan)

"True Love" (1971, Nu-Beat)

"I Can't Stop Loving You" (1971, Nu-Beat)

"It's Too Late" (1971, Trojan)

"Take Me In Your Arms" (1972, Big Shot)

"Africa Arise" (1972, Camel)

"Reggae Popcorn" (1972, Pama)

"Never Be Anyone Else" 1974 (Hot Lead Records)

"Fattie Bum Bum" (1975, Punch)

"Rudi Got Married" (1980, I Spy) UK # 60

"Big Fat Man" (1980, I Spy)

"Mad About You" (1986, Gaz's)

"Everybody Ska" (1989, Unicorn)

"Skinhead" (1999, Grover)

Videos/DVDs

''Live at Gaz's Rockin' Blues'' (1989, Unicorn) (VHS)

''Laurel Aitken And Friends - Live At Club Ska'' (2005, Cherry Red) (DVD)

References

Further reading

Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter: ''The Rough Guide To Reggae'' 3rd edn., Rough Guides, 2004

External links

www.grover.de Biography

www.geocities.com Biography

www.laurel-aitken.surf3.net Biography

Laurel Aitken albums Discogs discography

Category:Reachout International Records recording artists Category:1927 births Category:2005 deaths Category:Jamaican people of Cuban descent Category:Deaths from myocardial infarction Category:Jamaican reggae musicians Category:Jamaican ska musicians Category:Trojan Records artists Category:Jamaican expatriates in England Category:Blue plaques

ca:Laurel Aitken de:Laurel Aitken es:Laurel Aitken fr:Laurel Aitken it:Laurel Aitken ht:Laurel Aitken hu:Laurel Aitken pl:Laurel Aitken pt:Laurel Aitken ru:Эйткен, Лорел sv:Laurel Aitken tr:Laurel Aitken uk:Лорел Ейткен