Reggae on the Beach 2004


 

Michael Campbell, a.k.a. Mikey Dread is considered one of the most influential performers and innovators in Reggae Music. His distinctive and unique vocal delivery creates a sound which identifies him as the Dread at the Controls. Perhaps Mikey’s work with the Clash( Bank Robber and on Sandinista LP) and later with UB 40 where he produced the B-sides of "Red Red Wine" and "Cherry Oh Baby"– were key to the integration of Reggae into popular music – and maybe some of what has garnered him the most recognition abroad as these productions sold well in the millions. His credentials and resume from the mid 70’s stretch back before his work with these groups, and remain outstanding to this day. In the Jamaican circle Mikey Dread is best known for his pioneering role in the development of Reggae Broadcasting. His Dread At The Controls overnight Radio program on JBC in the late 70s became a pivotal role in the dispersion of reggae music globally and internationally as even today you still hear his old radio samples on records (even hip hop) while his original reggae radio format has become the norm for Reggae Radio. His number one Jamaican hit "Barber Saloon" in the late 70s for producers Carlton Patterson and King Tubby eventually gave him the opportunity to record,tour the world and produce his own music.
Most recently Mikey Dread appeared on the soundtrack of the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore movie “50 First Dates” where he was featured on a song with Seal, titled “Lips Like Sugar.”

Both a wonderful vocalist and fine bassist, Leroy Sibbles initially gained fame as the lead singer for the Heptones. The trio began at Caltone, then became stars when they moved to Studio One in 1966. They were accomplished at both rocksteady and reggae, and Sibbles' wondrously soulful leads and excellent compositions were augmented by his smooth, hypnotic bass lines, which were reproduced on numerous Heptones knockoffs and versions. Unfortunately, a once musically profitable relationship soured, and the Heptones left Studio One under bitter circumstances in 1971.Afterward, Sibbles enjoyed a successful solo career, but retained his bitterness toward Dodd and Studio One. He remained with the Heptones a couple more years, and their 1973 LP, Party Time, was an international reggae favorite. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Listen Leroy Sibbles' Songs


Perhaps best known for the series of "Gorgon Rock" records he cut with legendary producer Bunny Lee, reggae singer Cornell Campbell was born in Jamaica. As a teen he recorded his first material for Studio One, cutting a series of ska sides both as a solo artist and as one half of a duo with Alan Martin; from 1964 to 1967, Campbell seemingly disappeared from the music business, however, finally resurfacing as a member of the short-lived rocksteady harmony trio the Uniques. As the decade ended, he helmed the Eternals, scoring a number of Studio One-generated hits including "Queen of the Minstrels" and "Stars," but in 1971 again went solo after teaming with Lee, a pairing which spotlighted Campbell's distinctive falsetto to stunning effect. Despite earning acclaim for a self-titled LP issued on Trojan two years later, in 1975 he shifted from the lovers rock sensibility of recent efforts toward the more explicitly Rastafarian approach of records like "Natty Dread in a Greenwich Farm" and "Natural Fact," both of which emerged among his biggest hits to date. Later that year Campbell and Lee also launched "The Gorgon," a boastful smash which yielded a series of hit sequels. While 1977's "The Investigator" heralded a successful return to lovers rock, Campbell's commercial clout waned in the years to come, and in 1980 he and Lee parted ways. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

Listen Cornel Campbell's Songs
Listen Cornel Campbell "Queen of the Minstrel"



Reggae DJ Ranking Joe was born Joseph Jackson in Kingston on June 1. Launching his recording career right around the time that the reggae/dub movement began sweeping the world during the mid-'70s, renowned producer Coxsone Dodd took Joe under his wing as he landed a DJ spot with a soundsystem called El Paso Hi-Fi. With Dodd overseeing Joe's early sessions, a debut single was issued in 1975 (under the name of Little Joe), "Gun Court." From there, Joe branched out and worked with a variety of other reggae producers (including Bunny Lee, Watty Burnett, and Derrick Howard), which resulted in forming a new soundsystem which included U-Roy, and a name change to Ranking Joe. It was also during this time that Joe developed his trademark: a vocal style that showcased his talent for reeling off speedy tongue twisters. Beginning in the late '70s, Joe recorded hits for other artists (including Sonia Pottinger's "Shine Eye Gal"), in addition to issuing his own albums (Weakheart Fade Away, Dub It in a Dance, Saturday Night Jamdown Syle, Round the World).
~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide

Listen Ranking Joe's Songs

Born in Newton district of St. Elizabeth Lorna Bennett from a very early age had visions of being a singing star. At 18 years old, she was singing with the Bare Essentials Band while still a student at Excelsior High School and in 1971 had a monster hit. “Breakfast in Bed” which occupied the number one spot for six weeks. Other recordings which did well for Lorna include “Going to the Chapel," “Letter from Miami”, Dancing to my own Heartbeat”. “Stay with you awhile” and an album titled "This is Lorna".
She has also recently appeared in Miami with Marcia Griffiths, Derryck Harriott, Scotty, Gregory Isaacs and other veteran singers and also performed at “Professionals in Cabaret: at the Hylton Hotel late 2000 and January 2003.
Prior to her Miami performance she appeared in England in August 2001 to showcase an Independence Celebration show at the Forum where she gave a very exciting performance along with Alton Ellis, Ruddy Thomas, Tinga Stewart, Pat Kelly and Leroy Gibbons.

Listen Lorna Bennett's "Breakfast in Bed"

 

Javan Jordan Bond, stage name Javaughn Genius was born in the parish of Portland in Jamaica on December 17th, 1992. He attends Norwich Primary School in Portland.
Javaughn grew up in a musical family. His father is a singer, songwriter and music teacher. Javaughn one of Jamaica’s youngest singing sensation, started singing and playing the keyboard at the age of two. On the keyboard he plays songs such as “Every Step I Take”, by A.R.P., “Dance Hall Queen” by Chevel Franklyn, “News for You” by Chalome, “Judgment Day” by Whitney Houston and many more. He did his first stage show when he was 3 years and two weeks old.
At the age of four he started singing with a band from Port Antonio, he then became very popular when he startled the eyes of a massive crowd in Port Antonio square. Some of the songs he performed were “Get Ready” by Alton Ellis, “I lost my Baby” and “Pretty looks” by the Heptones and “Three little Birds” by Bob Marley.

Listen Javaughn Genius' "Present Love"


Ransford “Junior Fearon was born in St. Mary, Jamaica on February 19, 1976. His earliest memories of his musical journey began with singing and performing as a student at Oracabessa Primary School. Junior graduated with a Bachelors Degree (Honours) in Chemistry and Management in 2000 from the University of the West Indies (Mona). It was while at UWI that he started song writing.
Jr. Fearon’s unparalleled talent will be a force to be reckoned with on the upcoming musical arena. Managed by Ajang Music Productions.

Michelle Gordon with her strikingly good looks, compelling vocals and a style that is reminiscent of international songbird Whitney Houston, Michelle Gordon is poised to create musical waves.
After winning quite a few talent concerts in her native Jamaica, Michelle left “the rock” at age 7 to settle in Miami. She has opened for several acts including “Grammy Kid” Shabba Ranks, Patra, and International Singers, Jimmy Cliff and Skeeter Davis. Having toured extensively as a backup vocalist for a number of performers including former Black Uhuru member and Grammy winner, Michael Rose, Michelle is now a seasoned professional and fully prepared to support this effort.
Michelle has provided harmony vocals on the Mikey Dread "Rasta in Control" CD.

Listen Michelle Gordon's "Hurry Home"

 




Reggae on the Beach 2004

Sunday, October 10th, 2004 (Columbus Day Weekend)

Bayside Hut, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

Admission: $20 advance - $25 at the door

Tickets / Info: 954-326-6621

Tickets / Info: info@mikeydread.com

To Purchase Tickets CLICK HERE