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Delroy Wilson began singing professionally as a child, cutting his first records for Studio One. Over the next few years he was very successful, helping to usher in the Rock Steady era with Dancing Mood. After leaving Studio One, he went on to find even greater fame working with producer Bunny Lee, scoring huge hits with Better Must Come and Cool Operator (in 1971), plus others such as Living In The Footsteps. Like other singers in this collection, he recorded extensively for a variety of producers. My Baby Is Gone and Rascal Man were done for Niney, Pretty Girl and Baby I Need Your Loving were recorded for Joe Gibbs, whilst It's A Shame is just one of the many hits that followed. Sadly, after recurring bouts of illness, Delroy died on 6th March 1995. Although Delroy is greatly missed, his musical legacy lives on - check out Once Upon A Time on CDTRL 391. ALTON ELLIS has the distinction of being one of Jamaica's pioneer recording artists, cutting his first hit (Murial) in the late fifties. Between the mid and late sixties, he alternated between Studio One and Treasure Isle, enjoying a run of hits before spending a short time abroad. He returned to Treasure Isle for What Does It take and You Made Me So Very Happy in 1970, before moving on to work for various other promoters. Soul Groover was done for Winston Riley, Big Bad Boy for Keith Hudson, and Lord Deliver Us for Lloyd Daley. At the same time, Alton also self-produced a number of sides, including Give Me Your Love, Truly, and later, I Am Still In Love With you. In 1995 his contribution to music was officially recognised by the Jamaican government, who awarded him the Order of Distinction. For more Alton Ellis see the Trojan release Soul Groover on CDTRL 385. Pat Kelly entered the world of music as a member of the Techniques, who were recording for Treasure Isle at the time. Circa 1968, he embarked on a series of solo sides, eventually finding success with Bunny Lee (How Long Will It Take), and Lee Perry in the late sixties. Travelling to London, a recording deal with Apple subsequently fell through, and he returned home. Resuming his association with Bunny Lee, The Prophet followed in 1971, and later, He Ain't Heavy. in addition, a sojourn with Phil Pratt produced Soulful Love, and the highly popular Talk About Love. Over the next few years however, his career appeared to founder, although isolated high points included a recut of I Wish It Would Rain, and Best Time Of My Life, followed later by Lonely Man. Pat subsequently spent time as a studio engineer at Channel One, and continues recording from time to time. See also the Soulful Love set on CDTRL 386. JOHN HOLT'S career began with a false start, launched with a couple of sides in the early sixties. After a short break from music he joined the Paragons, who became one of Jamaica's most successful vocal harmony groups later in the decade (My Satisfaction). After leaving the group in 1969, John's solo career really took off. A run of hits for Duke Reid in that year were quickly followed by more big sellers. In 1971 he scored with Keep It Up for Alvin Ranglin, and Stick By Me for Bunny Lee. At this point John's ambition brought him to the UK, where he began working with Tony Ashfield (After All and You Baby). As a result, he became the most commercially successful Reggae singer of all, going on to achieve international fame. Let's Get It While It's Hot was done for Bunny Lee, whilst Ghetto Girl and Up Park Camp were recorded later, at Channel One. For more John Holt see CDTRL 75, 380 and 388. Child prodigy Dennis Brown, is another singer who first tasted fame whilst recording for Studio One. However, he really hit the big time after moving on to record for Derrick Harriott, scoring with a number of superb recordings (including Musical Heatwave). After leaving Harriott, a one-off session with Herman Chin-Loy produced It's Too Late, before a move to Niney's stable resulted in an avalanche of hits with Cassandra, Westbound Train, and I Am The Conqueror, amongst others (Blood Son). During this period Dennis also spent time in the UK, where he launched his own label, and recorded Some Like It Hot with the Cimarons. Along the way, he picked up the title 'Crown Prince of Reggae', and went on to enjoy international success with an update of Money In My Pocket. Dennis has continued to maintain his position at the forefront of Jamaican music, and remains the perfect Superstar. See also CDTRL 327.
Chris Pete |
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DISC 1 |
DISC 2 |
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GREGORY ISAACS
DELROY WISON |
ALTON ELLIS
PAT KELLY |
JOHN HOLT
DENNIS BROWN |
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Time - 48:50 |
Time - 47:41 |
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All material © Copyright Trojan Records |
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TROJAN
JAMAICAN SUPERSTARS BOX SET (TRBCD009) - ALL SIX ARTISTS
featured in this set have rightly earned the title 'Superstar',
scoring more hits than we have space to mention. As a result, we can
only hope to provide a limited sampling here. Gregory Isaacs (the
'Cool Ruler'), began his career in 1968, before joining the
Concords. Initial success didn't arrive until 1970, when he recorded
Lonely Man for Rupie Edwards. however, his first big hit came
in 1973, when he teamed up with Gussie Clarke for an update of
Loving Pauper, and with Pete Weston for Coming Home.
After this, the hits came thick and fast, with Don't Go and
Love Is Overdue for Alvin Ranglin, then Promised Land,
Way Of Life, and Give A Hand, which saw release in the UK
through Sid Crooks. My Time, a cover of the Bob Andy
composition, followed later for Ossie Hibbert. Gregory remains one
of the biggest Superstars in Jamaica, despite the emergence of new
styles. See also CDTRL 196, 355 & 396.