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Winston Francis

admin — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 05:39:02 +0000

Reggae artist Winston Francis has been a supporter of the genre since its birth in Jamaica during the ’60s. During the aforementioned decade, he was a member of such outfits as the Sheridans (which also included future noted reggae musician Pat Kelly), before joining and singing with Carlos Malcolm & the Afro Jamaicans. By the late ’60s, Francis had relocated to the United States and was introduced to renowned reggae producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd (who earlier helped shape the career of Bob Marley), taking Francis under his wing and signing him to his label, Studio One. Hits quickly followed, including a remake of the Mamas & the Papas’ classic “California Dreaming,” as well as one of his best-known tracks, “Mr. Fix It.” In addition to guesting on other artist’s records (including his old pal Pat Kelly’s 1995 release, Butterflies), Francis continued to release albums throughout the ’90s — including such titles as Ragga Love, Sweet Rock Steady, and a compilation of Francis’ best tracks from over the years, “Mr. Fix It”/”California Dreaming,” on the Sprint Music/Studio One label. All Music-Greg Prato.

Warrior King

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 06:32:13 +0000

Jamaican-born singer Warrior King (Mark Dyer) found himself drawn to music as a youth. He managed to balance his musical pursuits with an education that included stints at St. Andrew Technical and the National Tools Engineering Institute. His first attempt at radio came in the late ’90s with the Coco Tea-produced single “Nuff a Dem a Evil” with fellow DJ Little Blacks. The duo participated in numerous festivals and community events before Dyer, who was christened Warrior King by Frisco Kid, hit it big with the single “Virtuous Woman.” The single, as well as his smooth brand of lovers rock and dancehall reggae, has been praised for its positive message, especially among the female population. His electrifying debut album of the same name was released in 2001, with Hold the Faith arriving in 2005. All Music-James Christopher Monger

Winston Jarrett

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:40:03 +0000

He came to Kingston to sing with his idol, Alton Ellis, whose voice is very similar to Jarrett’s. Joining the Flames in the mid-’60s to back Ellis, he soon branched out on his own to record a series of albums which often feature Marley and Ellis covers, and self-penned ghetto plaints as evocative as Bosch paintings.

Written by Roger Steffens