by charlie.reggae » Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:33 am
Leonard Dillon / The Ethiopians are a cornerstone of Jamaican music & is an injustice that they never really made their name outside of Jamaica but for one or two international hits.
They have recorded for almost every producer of note, more than any other act I can think of, & have at least one recording with each that they can be proud of (list items plucked out at random):
Reggae hit the town (H. Robinson, 1968)
Solid as a rock (Rupie Edwards, 1971)
Thw Whip (Sonia Pottinger, 1967)
Things a get from bad to worse (Sir JJ Johnson, 1970)
Band you belly (Joe Gibbs, 1975)
Cut down your speed (Lee Perry, 1969)
Knowledge is power (Dillon / Graeme Goodall, 1975)
A better man (Turnell McCormack, 1974)
I need someone to comfort me (Jimmy Riley, 1971)
Satan girl (Lloyd 'The Matador' Daley, 1969)
Let it be (Winston 'Niney' Holness, 1977)
Good ambition (Derrick Harriott, 1970)
Sad news (Dillon / Vincent Chin, 1971)
Conquering lion (Pat Cooper, 1974)
Rim bam bim (Randy's (Clive Chin), 1971)
You got the dough (Edward Seaga 'WIRL', 1968)
Condition bad a yard (Duke Reid, 1970)
She's my girl (Coxsone Dodd, 1985)
Promises (Winston Riley, 1971)
Train to Skaville (Dillon / Leebert Robinson, 1967)
Wicked is down one me (Alvin 'GG' Ranglin, 1978)
The Word is Love (Bob Andy, 1973)
In the park (Bruce Anthony, 1972)
Another Moses (Clive 'Azul' Hunt, 1975)
They truly deserve the accolade usually given to Bob Marley in terms of song-writing ability / lyrical content & the ability to cover any subject in Reggae with majesty & foresight.
Finally, in my book they are one of the best vocal groups, of any genre, of all time & deserve greater recognition for their contribution to Popular culture.
Charlie Reggae
'Come 'ere croffy-back - This is a summit meeting f'or the dead Reggae King' (Freddie Notes & The Rudies, 1970)