Friday, April 1, 2011

The Godfathers of Caribbean Music

By Jesmond Wainwright


Bob Marley. Marley is the face of reggae and Caribbean music as a whole, such is his existing fame and notoriety. But many of his fans believed that it wasn't fame that drive him to achieve success but a need to spread a message through his lyrics. He is perceived to be a musical prophet and he has made a huge impact upon popular culture with his personality and beliefs as well as his music.

George Matthews. This big-band performer moved from Dominica to New York when he was very young but went on to record with numerous legends of jazz including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Whilst working as a freelance musician in the 50s, he continued to work greats such as Ray Charles.

Eddy Grant. Eddy Grant began his professional recording career with a band called The Equals where he was guitarist and lead vocalist. Two years after they formed, they achieved a recording contract and chart success followed soon after. After relocating from London to Barbados in the early 80s where he worked on new material including the chart smash, "Electric Avenue". He hosted the very first Caribbean Music Awards in New York City in 1991.

Wyclef Jean. After having shot to worldwide fame as a member of the Fugees, he followed lead singer Lauren Hill as a solo performer where he found success with his debut album, "The Carnival". He also wrote for other established artists such as Whitney Houston and on stage, his musical talent stretched to playing several instruments as well as rapping in several different languages.

Billy Ocean. Born in Trindiad, Billy Ocean moved to England when he was eight and began performing in London clubs in his teens. He began writing and recording whilst working at Ford Motor company and was able to leave his job after he found worldwide success with "Love Really Hurts Without You" He continued to have chart success whilst writing for other artists including LaToya Jackson and in 1984 crossed over into mainstream pop with the smash hit, "Caribbean Queen".




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