When Rolling Stone, the iconic five-decade pop music magazine, released its Top 200 Singers Of All Time on January 1, 2023, nobody would have been surprised to find at least a few prominent Jamaicans populating the list, which was topped by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Billie Holiday, and Sam Cooke. While the list predictably included the reggae legend Bob Marley (at number 98), he was only the 3rd highest ranked of the…
Some of the most memorable images of Reggae artists and industry players has been captured through the lens of David Corio. As we close Reggae month, we spoke to David about his iconic photography. VP: How did you get your start in the business? DC: My first regular experience of hearing reggae was listening to John Peel’s late-night radio show. After leaving school and going to art college in Gloucester…
(repost from the Jamaica Observer) SEPTEMBER 1980 was a busy month for reggae superstar Bob Marley. He was in the midst of his United States tour to promote the album Uprising, driven by its lead single Could You Be Loved. He was also booked to open for The Commodores at Madison Square Garden but had one special wish…to surprise his favourite singer Dennis Brown with a guest appearance at a…
Photo by Olivier Chastan New York, NY– King Jammy Presents: Dennis Brown Tracks of Life, out September 14th on VP/Greensleeves Records, brings contemporary voices to build on the work of two reggae icons – Dennis Brown and King Jammy. The album is a 21st century testament to the enduring power of reggae and dancehall across generations. Producer King Jammy is celebrated as a transitional figure in music production, who, after helping…
On the First Day of Reggae Music Month and Black History Month, A Legend is Honored “One of the top 50 voices of the 20th Century”- NPR “Known for his gentle, beseeching voice — one of the best of his generation state — he mixed soulful love songs with universal pleas calling for peace and harmony.” – New York Times Today VP Records remembers and celebrates “The Crown Prince Of…
Reggae Golden Jubilee – Origins of Jamaican Music Includes Deluxe Packaging Resembling Hardcover Book, Extensive Liner Notes and 100 of the Island’s Most Celebrated Hits From Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Yellowman, Shaggy, Buju Banton, Sean Paul and many more. Music has significantly shaped the political, social and economic DNA of Jamaica. As 2012 marks the island’s 50th year of independence, VP Records offers arguably one of the most…