THIS is a year of milestones in Jamaican pop culture. The Third World band turned 40 and is celebrating that anniversary with a worldwide tour.
Here are some other highlights.45 years ago* Desmond Dekker and the Aces record Israelites for producer Leslie Kong. The song became a massive hit in Britain in 1969.* The Inner Circle band is formed by brothers Ian and Roger Lewis, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore and Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper.40 years ago* Funky Kingston, a groundbreaking album by Toots and the Maytals, is released. Contains the title track, Daddy and Festival Song winner Pomps and Pride.* Catch A Fire and Burnin’, two outstanding albums by The Wailers, are released by Island Records in 1973.* The Channel One studio opens at Maxfield Avenue. Its first hit song is singer Delroy Wilson’s cover of The Spinners’ It’s a Shame.* Studio One releases its Presenting Burning Spear album. The debut by the St Ann singer includes the song Door Peep.* Producer Winston ‘Niney’ Holness and the Soul Syndicate band record a series of classic songs with teenaged singer Dennis Brown. They include Cassandra.35 years ago* The movie, Children of Babylon directed by Lennie Little-White and starring Bob Andy and Leonie Forbes, opens.* The inaugural Reggae Sunsplash is held at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay. Dennis Brown, Culture and Burning Spear are headliners.* Rockers, a movie starring drummer Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace and singer Kiddus-I, is released.* The One Love Peace Concert is held at the National Stadium to help ease conflict between political factions.30 years ago* Check It, the debut album by dub poet Mutabaruka, is released by Chicago’s Alligator Records.* The Ten Year Old DJ Wonder, Beenie Man’s first album, is released by producer Bunny Lee.20 years ago* All She Wrote, a hit-laden album by the deejay/singer duo of Chaka Demus and Pliers, is released by Mango Records, a subsidiary of Island Records. Six songs from the set, including Tease Me and Gal Wine, make the British Top 20 chart.10 years ago* Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry wins the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for the project Jamaican ET. Among the other artistes nominated were Bounty Killer, Capleton and Freddie McGregor.* Singer Wayne Wonder’s single No Letting Go reaches number three in the UK Singles Chart and peaks at number 11 in the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Chaka Demus (right) and Pliers.View the original article here
The birthday club
