Monday, November 5, 2007

Vintage Boss Magazine: Special Issue: Sir Coxsone's Passing

Vintage Boss Magazine: Special Issue: Sir Coxsone's Passing

COMING IN 2008

Featuring the events from the sudden passing of Clement `Sir Coxsone` Dodd on May 4, 2004 at `Studio One` to the funeral service held on May 22 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, to the interment at Dovecot Memorial Park.
`A Collectors Item`

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue # 19: November 2003


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #19. November 2003

COMING IN 2008

Featuring Boris Gardiner
Featuring The Mighty Sparrow
Ernest Wilson
Collectors Club
Flash back

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #26. June 2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #26. June 2004

Featuring the funeral of Clement `Sir Coxsone` Dodd
Featuring the Silvertones
Featuring Neville Willoughby
Mary Isaacs
Collectors Club and more.

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue # 23. March 2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back Issue #23. March 2004

COMING IN 2008
Featuring Winston `King Stitt` Sparks
Featuring The Melodians
The Maytals
Junior Byles
Buddy Pouyatt
Collectors Club and more.

Vintage Boss Magazine: The Way We Were. Part 3


Vintage Boss Magazine: The Way We Were. Part 3

COMING IN 2008

More exciting look at what went on during the early years.
Great photographs from the archives of the Gleaner Company and others

Vintage Boss Magazine: The Way We Were. Part 4


Vintage Boss Magazine: The Way We Were. Part 4

COMING IN 2008
More and more awesome photographs from the early years.

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #29: October 2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #29: October 2004

COMING IN 2008

Featuring Roy Shirley.
Featuring The Frats Quintet
Hope Gardens
Collectors Club
Flash back....and more

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue # 22: February 2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back Issue #22: February 2004

COMING IN 2008

Featuring Bunny & Scully (Simms & Robinson)
The Jamaica Chamber Commerce
Collectors Club
Flash back

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #42. January 2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #42 : January 2004

COMING IN 2008

Featuring Headley `Deadly` Benneth
The vibrant downtown Kingston
The National of Library Jamaica
More graphics.....

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #24: November, 2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #24: November, 2004

COMING IN 2008

Featuring Ernie Smith
Featuring Clancy Eccles
Marcia Griffiths at 40
Tastee Talent Contest at 25
The Jamaica National Library at 25
Loaded with graphics and more.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Vintage Boss Magazine:Back issue #28. August ,2004


Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #28. August, 2004

COMING IN 2008

Featuring Kenrick `Lord Creator` Patrick
Featuring Tony Gregory
The Skatalites at 40
Maurice Foster
Hugh Nash
Great graphics and more.....

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back issue #25. May 2004

Vintage Boss Magazine: Back Issue # 25 May 2004
COMING 2008
Featuring Clarence `Count Prince` Miller
Featuring Eric `Monty` Morris
The Passing of Phylis Dillon
Great photographs and much more....

The Mento Pioneers: Part 2

The Mento Pioneers: Part 2
COMING IN 2008

More in depth look into the evolution of Mento/Calypso
More great photographs
Birth of the recording industry
The first known Mento/Calypso artistes to record
The record producers
The first record plant


Vintage Boss Magazine: `The Mento Pioneers` Part 1

Vintage Boss Magazine: ``The Mento Pioneers`` Part 1
``COMING IN 2008``

An in depth look at the Mento/Calypso, its origin and evolution.
Great photographs from the era.
Reprinted articles
Interviews with the pioneers

Vintage Boss Magazine: ``The Way We Were``. Volume 2

Vintage Boss Magazine ``The Way We Were`` Part 2
``Coming in 2008``

More look at the glorious period of the past through the great photographs from the archives of the Gleaner Company.

More downtown entertainment scenes
Sporting legend Dorrel Dixon
Great artistes in performance
The Foster Family/Table tennis legends

Vintage Boss Magazine: `The Way We Were` Part 1



Vintage Boss Magazine: The Way We Were. Volume 1 (Special Series)
``COMING IN 2008``

This takes a look at life in the past through some of the greatest photographs from the photo archives of the Gleaner Company. Events such as:
Christmas Morning and New Years Shows
Christmas Grand Market/Christmas Eve events downtown
Christmas/Time Store Float Parade
Jamaica's first Miss World
Pantomime and much more exciting features..

Friday, November 2, 2007

National Awards 2007





Twelve of Jamaica's musicians and entertainers were honoured by the government of Jamaica at the annual National Heroes Day Awards ceremony held at the National indoor Sport Center, on October 15, 2005. The threat of rain resulted in the event being shifted from the traditional Kings House lawn, location.
The award of the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of Commander (CD) and the Order of Distinction(CD) in the rank of Officer (OD) was bestowed on the following stalwarts:
Byron Aloysius Saint Elmo Lee, Clarence Linberg `Count Prince` Miller, Ewart `U-Roy` Beckford, Norman Fredrick Rae, Carlene Davis-Cowan, Winston `Burning Spear`Rodney, Johnny Arlington Moore, Theodore Miller, Jepther `Luciano` Washington McLymont, Orville Richard `Shaggy` Burrell, Clement Seymour `Sir Coxsone` Dodd and Arthur `Duke` Reid.
All those awarded were worthy of the honour and have served Jamaica well. In fact, many will argue the point that the recognition was long overdue.
With a new government in place and the Hon. Olivia `Babsy` Grange as Minister of Culture and Sports, quite a lot is expected for the entertainment industry. Minister Grange is a product of West Kingston and a former manager of artistes such as Shabba Ranks and Mad Cobra, and is very aware of the tremendous need to transform Jamaica's cultural heritage into a vibrant and economical industry for the benefit of all concerned. Other Stalwarts such as Lascelles Perkins, Stranger Cole, Lloyd Clarke, Roy Panton, Millie Small and Ivan Chin should be considered for the next awards presentation.
Colby Graham
Gleaner photos, from left to right: Minister Grange, Shaggy and G.G. Hall, Millie Small.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Millie Small: The Jamaican Homecoming 1964



Millicent Small, better known as Millie Small remains the most successful female Jamaican singers, having sold over seven million records. She can also be classified as one of most mysterious Jamaican born singers and one of the most talked about in show business, and in general.
Her story is well documented, both facts and fiction, and is due mainly to her self imposed exile for more than 35 years. If Millie has been trying to make a statement through her action, that point or points would have been very well made.
From her little district in the Milk River area of Clarendon she moved to downtown Kingston and settled with her aunt, in the heart of the vibrant city. Millie entered and won the popular `Opportunity Hour` talent contest at the Palladium Theatre in Montego Bay and then got into local recording and finally went to England in 1963. She took the world by storm with the remake of Barbie Grey's 1956/57 song, `My Boy Lollipop, in 1964. From out of no where little Millie Small became an overnight sensation. The song smashed charts in no less that 12 countries as little Millie basked in the spotlight and jetted the around globe in order to make appearances and fulfill engagements.
Her trip took her back home in time for Jamaica's 2nd anniversary celebration in August 1964. The red carpet treatment was fully extended to the little Queen who arrived at the Montego Bay International Airport, now the Donald Sangster International, and then on to the Palisadoes Airport, now the Norman Manley International Airport. She was met an arrival by a VIP Party headed by the then Custos of Kingston, Russell Graham, Millie's mother and the promoter of the homecoming, Stephen Hill and a host of admirers. From the airport she was driven in an open back car throughout the streets of Kingston as hundreds of citizens lined the streets to greet the new superstar. The government of Jamaica headed by Prime Minster Alexander Bustamante and his cabinet, feted Millie and bestowed upon her several gifts. She also paid a courtesy a call, along with her manager Chris Blackwell, on the then Leader of the Opposition, Norman Manley. Thousands turned out at the National Stadium in Kingston to see Millie as well as many who turned up at the then Sheraton Hotel to see her perform and do the Ska Dance. The action also moved to May Pen, Clarendon, Millie's parish of birth, where she performed at the Capri Theatre. After a hectic week Millie left the island to continue fulfilling worldwide engagements. Since then the record will show that she returned on at least two occasions with the last known being in 1971. After the great success of the `My Boy Lollipop` era things seemingly went downhill for Millie, and with it, her self imposed exile. Many stories of her demised have been branded around and a whole new generation of Jamaicans are fed with tales of Millie.
In 2003 I travelled to the village and viewed the spot where the house in which Millie once lived, stood. Her relatives were more than surprised to see someone coming there to enquirer about the little girl, few people living there could remember. Many expressed a wish to one day meet their famous relative while artistes such as Derrick Harriott, yearns to see her return and to work with her. The world still awaits the return of Millicent Small and from what was reported in the Sunday Gleaner of October 15, 2006, and according to Millie's manager, Arley Cha (Charley Cross), the famous super star would have been back in the music business in 2007. Despite what the circumstances are Millicent Small is a national treasure and every effort should be made by the powers that be in Jamaica to get her to reunite with the people of her homeland. The process could start by awarded her the The Order of Distinction(OD) and a gift of a parcel of land as afforded others in the entertainment industry. Then again, would Millie graciously accepts the offer?
Colby Graham/Vintage Boss


Thursday, October 25, 2007

Hortense Ellis: The First Lady Of Songs

HORTENSE ELLIS: THE FIRST LADY OF SONGS




Hortense Ellis is embedded in Jamaica's music history as one of greatest female artistes ever. Dubbed, `Jamaica's First Lady of Songs`, she has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Jamaica's cultural heritage in life and in death.

Born in Jamaica' s cultural capital known as Trench Pen, presently known as Trench Town in 1941, Hortense Mahalia Ellis started out singing at school concerts, a common feature of educational system at the time. Competition amongst the folks in the culturally riped community became a past time with many talented youngsters hounding their craft on the corners. `Opportunity Hour`, started by Vere Johns and his wife Lillian Johns in Savannah, Georgia in 1937, and brought to Jamaica in 1939 when the Johns returned to Jamaica, provided the ideal avenue through which aspirants could exhibit their talents. Hortense along with her brother Alton Ellis (a dancer) entered the competition in 1959 and there she made an immediate impression by winning the preliminary rounds and then the semi-final and then the grand final in 1960. Alton who by then had returned to `Opportunity Hour` as a singer/duo with his partner, Eddie Parkins (Alton & Eddie), won third place. For her winnings she also performed on the Vere Johns produced `Opportunity Knocks Show` aired on Radio Jamaica Rediffusion (RJR).
The recording industry at the time was heavily influenced by the Boogie Shuffle and ballads and dominated by male singers, a bias shown by the producers who were at the time doing recordings for their sound systems. The only known female to have recorded then was Enid Cumberland who recorded as a duo with Kieth Stewart, Keith & Enid (Worried Over). While Hortense became a regular act on the popular stage shows produced by the likes of Bim & Bam, Horace Forbes and Stephen Hill, it was not until 1962 when she started recording both as duo as well as a single artiste for Sir Coxsone and Duke Reid. In fact, the male/female type duo era took off with the likes of Derrick & Patsy, Stranger & Patsy, Roy & Millie, Owen & Millie, Roy & Yvonne, Delroy & Paulette, Jackie & Doreen, Creator & Norma, Lascelles & Yvonne, Lascelles & Dimples and later on the likes Derrick & Hortense, Peter & Hortense, John Holt and Hortense, Jackie & Hortense, Johnny Clarke & Hortense and her brother, Alton.
Hortense worked out with Byron Lee & The Dragonaires Band and became a big hit at the popular Christmas Mornings, Easter Spectacular and New Years Shows. Her signature song became the Patti Labelle and the Blues Bells wedding song, `Down The Isle`. Although not recording as much as the male artistes Hortense did a lot of studio backing vocals when the Ska era took prominence. She was highly admired by the other Jamaican females artistes, many of who still holds her as their greatest influence. Paulette Marsh (Delroy & Paulette fame) said of Hortense, "She was my idol and we got on pretty well. She was always at my house and my mother made her dresses". Yvonne Harrison of Roy & Yvonne fame, said "Let me say, Hortense was the best of the bunch in my opinion. She was the nicest person to work with and there was never a dull moment when you were with her but you were always afraid when she went on stage before, because you know the crowd was going to be roaring after her. We got the aftermath and she would bring the house down with a special song called `Down The Isle".
By the end 1960s Hortense was recording mainly cover version for several producers such as Ken Lack/Caltone, Bunny Lee and Lee `Scratch` Perry, taking breaks in between to rear her children. By the start of the 1970s she was touring North America but was never able to take her career to higher heights. Marriage took centre stage for Hortense when she tied the knot with Mikey `Junior` Saunders. In fact, her reputation for having children remains one of the talking points whenever her name comes up for mention. For those who it seem to please, there is always a twisting of the facts in order to make it appears, all Hortense achieved in life was having children, as much as 13. However, according to Michelle, Hortense's fifth child, her Mom was the greatest and best Mother. "She had nine children and she had a love for all the other children around the area. Whenever she was going to perform she would load us and all the other children in a taxi and take us to shows, and if someone should ask her if all those children were hers, she would reply, yes!, all of them". "That was my mother".
Hortense dropped off the music scene for the better part of the 1970s only to return for occasional recordings. During the 1980s into the middle part of the 1990s not much was heard of her while she spent time in the United States battling illness. Hortense resurfaced during the later part of the 1990s, appearing on the great vintage series known as Heineken Startime, promoted Michael Barnett and Keith Brown (MKB Promotions)

If things was tough for the male artistes at the time, it was twice as tough for the females. Many recordings artistes then, will say today, that they recorded songs for the love of singing as well as for the opportunity of hearing their songs being played on the radio, and not for the making of money. Hortense fell in that category and her financial status was well known. The returns from her talent and hard work did not benefit the icon who have the distinctions of recording songs under three different names, Hortense Ellis, Queen Tiney and Mahalia Saunders. In 1965 Hortense was voted the best Female Artistes for 1964 with the feat being one of many awards she received. However, she was not to have received the national award of `Order of Distinction`, afforded singers, musicians and other performers in the entertainment field. After courageously battling illness she passed away on October 19, 2000 at the Kingston Public Hospital.













Some recordings by Hortense Ellis

`Feel So Good` with Derrick Morgan
`Still In Love` `` `` ``
`Let It Be Me`
`Twelve Minutes To Go`
`I'll Come Softly`
`Loving Wine`
`I'm In Love`
`Hell and Sorrow`
`Why Birds Follow Spring`with Alton
`I'm Just A Girl` `` ``
`Brown Girl In The Ring` `I Shall Sing` `Easy Squeeze`
`I ve Been Lonely` `Right On The Tip of My Tongue`` Piece of My Heart` `Down Town Ting` `Unexpected Places` `Down The Aisle` `Young Hearts Run Free`

Compilation: Alton & Hortense At Studio One
`` Hits of Studio One

The Right Combination: The Keeling Beckford Story



Keeling Beckford is an example of what the true Jamaican spirit is all about when given the opportunity to achieve a worthwhile goal. Hailing from humble beginning in Kingston and Islington, Saint Mary, he later left for the United States in the early 1970s and is today one of the largest dealers in Jamaican audio/visual material in Brooklyn, New York.

An aspiring singer/songwriter in his boyhood days and as well as being the nephew of Jamaica's late great singer songwriter/musician and producer, Theophilus `Easy Snapping` Beckford, Keeling topped the Jamaican charts in 1968 with the very catchy hit song called `Combination`. Ironically, he was turned down by the likes of Desmond Dekker and Lee `Scratch` Perry at auditions and it was his persistent nature that led Perry to eventually give him the opportunity to record `Combination`. Several recordings followed and although not as prominent as `Combination`, Keeling boast a pretty decent catalog which also include several unreleased recordings from the early years,
Things was never easy for Keeling as he experienced quite a lot of setbacks, the kind of things that would have caused others to give up. In New York, Keeling started out buying and selling records from out of a shopping cart and later went on to open his first store in Manhattan. Now he operates from the former Chin Randys Record Store, Saint Johns Place in Crown Heights. Keeling is the undisputed king of Jamaican audio visual material in addition to having produced and even acted in Jamaican plays. Anything Jamaican in audio visual items such as CDs, DVDs, Records and Cassettes can be had at Keeling Reggae Store.
In maximizing his opportunity in the United States, Keeling also took the time to upgrade himself educationally and he became a veterinarian. `Dr. Keeling Beckford`.
In this feature `The Right Combination`, Keeling tells his amazing and inspirational story, which include the kind hearted deed done to him by the late great Sir Coxsone Dodd, and lots of graphics. This is a must for everyone interested in Jamaican music and culture.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

RESEARCH SERVICE


Let Vintage Boss perform your Jamaican research:

CULTURE
ENTERTAINMENT
POLITICS
SPORTS
RELIGION
BUSINESS
COMMERCE
EDUCATION
FAMILY

Information and data from the major archives in Jamaica: National Library of Jamaica, Institute of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service, National Gallery, The Gleaner Company, The National Archives, Jamaica Memory Bank, University of the West Indies and more

Friday, October 19, 2007

Vintage Boss Magazine



Vintage Boss Magazine, like the history of the Jamaican people is one of struggle, determination and great ambition. Then again, Vintage Boss Magazine is about the Jamaican people. A people with a great cultural heritage, influenced by the events to have impacted their lives, both negatively and positively. Perhaps, the most unfortunate aspect of this cultural heritage is the under documentation and the absolute neglect and lack of appreciation for it. And despite that the Jamaican cultural influence on the world stage is on par with, or surpasses that of many so called developed countries.
One of Jamaica's greatest sons, the Most honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey sums up the situation well with his words, saying, "A nation without a knowledge of it's past history, is like a tree without root". Even more serious, and more dangerous is the fact that some of the most important players, innovators and creators of the cultural heritage have passed away without their story being told and some of those who are still around are not mentally capable of divulging the most accurate information. So with this, comes the urgent rush to capture as much as possible in the shortest possible time. On this notion, Vintage Boss Magazine was launched in May 2002. Despite all the odds and very little financial support along with lack of sponsorship and advertisement, there would have been a great struggle. And so it is. The most economical and innovative methods had to be found, hence the primitive hand made method was used and from the responses coming from the readers worldwide, the method connected well. In fact, many readers are suggesting that the old rustic looking feature should remain.
Although not available, Vintage Boss Magazine continues in the monthly draft form and after 17 monthly released issues and a few special issues, there are now some 50 monthly issues and 10 special issues to be released, starting in January 2008. Readers will come to appreciate the new and improved Vintage Boss Magazine and the very attractive new price and more unbelievable graphics depicting what really went on during the early years. More research also went on during this dormant period, resulting in further features being done on some of the already featured subjects'.
It is interesting to note that some issues will carry features of subjects who have passed away since and who did not even get the chance to see and read their own features. This serves to highlight the point being made that the players in the great cultural heritage are passing away even faster than they can be caught in order to have their story told. Some of those to have passed are: Neville Willoughby, Clancy Eccles, Jennifer Lara, Alerth Bedasse, Egerton Koo (Lord Koos The Universe, Count Sticky, Roy Richards and Brent Dowe.
Online checks shows evidence of unauthorized duplication of Vintage Boss Magazine and this is based on the less than half reduced price for which the magazine is being advertised. The only authorized distributor of Vintage Boss Magazine was Ernie B. Distributors in California. As investigation into this matter goes on, readers are being asked to support the legitimate purchase of the product and to report anything contrary to that.
The dvd documentary series was launched this year and it too like the Magazine started off reflecting a low budget production, as it relates to the first eight issues. An old beaten up analog camera was the only kind available. However, vast improvement is in the making with the use of more modern equipment.
``JAMAICA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE MUST BE TOLD``

Colby Graham

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Rest Well `Jah Jerry`

One of Jamaica's musical pioneers, Jerome `Jah Jerry` Haynes, passed away on August 13, 2007 after a brief illness. A founding member of the immortal Skatalites Band as well as being one of the creators of Jamaican Boogie Shuffle and its predecessor, `The Ska`, Jah Jerry was never the colourful type, instead, he was of the reserved type, unassuming and philosophical.
Jah Jerry was born in Trench Pen, presently known as Trench Town, the cultural capital of Jamaica, in 1927. Surrounded by music from an early age, his father bought him and guitar and he turned to Ernest Ranglin, a budding musician in Trench Pen for help in mastering the instrument. Although it took him quite some time to get his playing up to standard, he eventually attained the rudiments of reading and writing music. This prepared him for his sojourn into organized playing when he hit the hotel circuit playing with the Jocelyn Trott Orchestra in Montego Bay, in 1949. Jah Jerry freelanced with several other aggregations until he became a member of the Arkland `Drumbago` Park Studio Band. His unique upward `stumming` of the guitar became the signature style in the Boogie Shuffle/Ska . Between 1959 to early 1964 he did recording sessions with Drumbago's Band for several producers such as Clement `Sir Coxsone` Dodd, Duke Reid, Vincent `Randy's Chin, Lloyd Bell, Leslie `Beverleys` Kong and the Mighty Prince Buster, who held his rehearsal session, nightly at the Baby Grand Club, after closing time. When Drumbago's Band folded Jah Jerry went on to join the newly formed Skatalites Band and played infrequently with the famous aggregation until it folded.
During the period, Jah Jerry embraced the Rastafari `combsome` order, affiliated to the Rockfort/Warrika Hill and Count Ossie Brethren. Quitting music for a prolong period he re-emerged in the second regrouping of Skatalites in the 1980s. During recent times Jah Jerry made the regular trek up to Studio One from his nearby home at Torrington Park and to his favourite `watering hole` at Torrington Bridge.
Family members, friends and members of the music fraternity gathered at Dovecot Memorial Park on August 29, to pay their last respect the great man. Rest Well Jah Jerry!

Monday, June 18, 2007

The Jays: 'Fresh As Ever'


The Jays evolved from the 1960s group called the Royals. Today, the Jays is made up of Errol Wilson (founding member), Lloyd Forrest and Leo Hall. After moving from the Royals they took on the name the 'Tempests' and then in the mid 1970s, The Jays.
Working out of the red-hot Channel One studio of owner/producer Joseph Hoo-Kim, the Jays heralded the start of what became known as the Disco 45 era, one in which the extended music was accompanied by a Disc-jockey(dj) or extended playing rhythm( drum and bass style).
The group smashed the charts with hits such as Truly', (with the Deejay, Ranking Trevor), 'Molody Life' and 'Yaho', a remake of the 1960s song by another Jamaican group, The Viceroys.
The group's latest effort is an album entitled the 'Right Solution', out of the famous Studio One camp and using some of the the original Studio One rhythm tracks. Tracks such as 'The Right Feeling', 'Studio One Beat','Cleanse Your Mind' and 'What A Crisis' is a vivid reminder that the Jays remains a class act. The album is a must for collectors and lovers of great Jamaican music. The Jays are also available for booking through Vintage Boss Productions. Soon available on DVD from Vintage Boss Productions, The Jays: 'Fresh As Ever'.

Parapinto Boogie: The Lloyd 'Paro' Clarke Story


One of the best ever voices to have graced Jamaica's music is that of Lloyd Clarke, affectionately called 'Paro'. He was born in Linstead Saint Catherine 1n 1937 and moved to the Jones Town/Trench Town area of Kingston before he was one year old. Paro attended the famous Kingston Secondary High School, also known then as Senior School, and today renamed Kingston High School where he performed at school concerts as well as singing the church. His vocal talent was spotted early and he was encouraged to make a career out of singing.
Like most aspiring singers at the time he entered 'Opportunity Hour', the famous talent- search contest by Vere Johns and he won the contest a few times in the late 1950s. By 1960 he was heading to the recording studio to do his first recording for Author 'Duke' Reid. His first effort, 'Parapinto Boogie' became at instant favourite, first as a dance- hall song being played on the sound system and later released on national radio. Several recordings that became hits in Jamaica and England followed, the like of 'Good Morning' , 'Japanese Girl', 'Girls Rush', 'The Cheat', 'Sixty Years', 'Summertime', 'Now I know The Reason'(with Yvonne Harrison), 'Fellow Jamaican' and much more.
Like most of the foundation artistes Paro has never gotten his due reward for his work and had to eek out a livelihood doing jobs such as being a bus conductor, bus driver and security guard. His rather intriguing story is told in the Vintage Boss Productions DVD series, 'Parapinto Boogie, The Lloyd 'Paro' Clarke Story.
Purchase at: www.createspace.com #235008

The Gentle Matriarch: The Patricia Chin Story


Patricia Chin, affectionately called Miss Pat is considered to be one of the mothers of Jamaica's music. In 1958 Miss Pat started out along with her husband, the late Vincent 'Randy's Chin who was then an employee with the Issa Brothers. Vincent worked as a juke box technician with the Issa's and later came up with the idea of purchasing from them, the old records being replaced in the juke boxes, and began selling those records at a shop located at 18 East Street, downtown Kingston.
Mis Pat became the driving force behind the operation which later outgrew the East Street location and resulted in a new location be accessed at 17 North Parade. With a restaurant and record shop being firmly established, 17 North Parade became known as 'Randy's Record Mart' and giant in Jamaica's great musical heritage. The Chins added a recording studio in 1968 and further cemented their stake and contribution in Jamaica's recording industry.
In 1979 they moved the operation to Queens, New York and renamed it VP Records and over the years have propelled Jamaica's music to the highest heights. 'The Leader In Reggae Music'. Vincent passed away in 2003 and with the help of her children, Miss Pat became a true matriarch of Jamaica's music. Miss Pat, has over the last couple of of years ventured into clothing, launching the 'top notched' line called 'Riddim Driven'.
A warm, inspiring and Godly woman, she was awarded the Oder of Distinction (OD) by the Government of Jamaica in 2006, a fitting gesture to a most remarkable human being.
Now available on DVD, 'The Gentle Matriarch': The Patricia Chin Story.

Mr. Satisfaction: The Carl Dawkins Story


Carl Dawkins had no initial ambition of being a singer. He had a love for dancing and playing football(soccer) and in fact went on to play the game at the national level. His association with the the singing group, 'The Techniques' and more so the group's leader, the late Keith 'Slim' Smith, led him into taking singing serious enough. Carl and members of the group were all students of Kingston Secondary School, known then as 'Senior School' and today renamed, Kingston High School. Interestingly, the likes of Derrick Morgan, Marcia Griffiths, The Heptones, Keith Stewart and other well known artistes and musicians also attended the school.
Carl played around and went on to record his first song 'Hard Times' and the flip side on the record called 'Baby I Love'. Like so many other scenarios the flip side on the record 'Baby I Love You' became the hit. The song propelled Carl into the limelight and he remains today a fixture in the line up of the regular 'Vintage Shows'. A member of the Rastafarian faith since the 1980s, Carl has had his fair share of adversities, having gained little for his work and getting caught up in hard drugs. Carl shares his moving story with Vintage Boss Production in the DVD series, 'Mr. Satisfaction'.
Purchase at: www.createspace.com #234873

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Lord Koos 'The Universe'


The non recognition of the contribution made by Egerton Koo: 'Lord Koos The Universe' to Jamaica's cultural development is yet another other example of a nation failing to address one of the most important aspects of its very existence, it's history. One of Jamaica's early sound system owner/operator, Egerton came to Kingston from his rural district of Guys Hill, in Saint Mary/Saint Catherine in 1944 and started working in the dry goods business when he was employed by Ernest Hoo-Tia Company, West Street. He soon moved on his own, acquiring premises at the corner of East Queen Street and East Street and remained there until his passing in May 2006.
Lord Koos, as he was affectionately called, started out buying records from Randys Records, in Tennessee in the early 1950s. Initially he started out buying the records for his own personal enjoyment and later took it to another level when he decided to compete with the likes of 'Kellys' and 'Tom The Great Sebastian', two of the other known sound system operators at the time.
With the assistance of the amplifier builder, Standford, Lord Koos was able to 'power up' his small sound system to match up to the others. By the mid 1950s his sound system was taking on, and at times 'blowing' the other top sounds such as 'Sir Coxsons Downbeat', 'Duke Reid The Trojan' and 'King Edwards The Giant'. This went up until the early 197os when violence started affecting the sound system business and most of the operators ceased operating. Lord Koos also operated a restaurant, bar and betting shop and became a successful business man. Just months after he was interviewed by Vintage Boss Productions, he passed away. Now available on DVD, is the story of `Lord Koos The Universe'
www.createspace.com #237601

Friday, June 15, 2007

Whoppy King


Like aspects of our cultural past, 'Badmanship' and 'Donmanship has had its own prominent feature in our evolution. In fact, our own Port Royal once bored the tag of being the wickedest city on earth and the super pirate, Henry Morgan being dubbed one of the most vicious and ruthless in history. The last century too have produced its fair share of outlaws and fertile ground from which these outlaws perpetrated their evil acts.
The Western End of the Kingston have been home to some of the biggest criminal acts to have occurred, fueled by the high level of informal settlements to have sprang up in the area, thus creating the ideal setting for criminal elements to operate. In the late 1940s, Ivanhoe 'Rhygin' Martin created mayhem in Kingston's West End and this was followed by Aston 'Whoppy King' Jolly, both ruthless and vicious. Considered to be a psychopath , 'Whoppy King' migrated to Kingston at the age of 12 from the rural town of Lucea, Hanover where he was born in 19o8. He attended Ebeneezer School on Spanish Town Road, next to the city dump, known then as 'Dungle' or 'Dung Hill'. By age 15 he was arrested and convicted for stealing thread, and literally starting on a destructive life of crime. His indulgence in stealing, selling ganja and running gambling dens in 'Dung Hill' made him notorious and feared. He preyed on Chinese business people by demanding money and when his request was not granted, he would beat up the owners of the businesses and take whatever he wanted. In 1941 while being cautioned by a Constable Mendez, he attacked the constable with a knife, severely wounding him, and one Leonard Tracey who went to the constable's assistant. Both men spent several weeks in hospital. 'Whoppy King' was sentenced to 7 years for that crime.
On his release he started on a new crime path, this time, attacking couples who frequented lovers spots in the West End and along the Palisadoes Road. One unfortunate couple was Sidney Garel and Bernadette Hugh who were attacked by 'Whoppy King' on June 11, 1951. After brutally murdering Garel and raping and seriously wounding Hugh, 'Whoppy King' was arrested. His arrest, trial and conviction remains today, one of the biggest and most sensational court cases in Jamaica's history. Thousands gathered at the Cross Roads Police Station where he was held and even more turned up at the Supreme Court building at Justice Square, downtown Kingston for his trial and conviction. After his arrest several more charges ranging from double murder to robbery was placed upon him after strong evidence linking him to those crimes was discovered.
Subsequently he was linked to the murder of Rudolph Fellows and Rosetta Barrett who were surprised and murdered while engaged in a sexual act. 'Whoppy King' was known to taunt his victims while harming them. It was also said that he frequently administered beatings to his girlfriend Cynthia 'Ruby' Evans and often had sexual intercourse with her on top of bar tables in full view of patrons.
'Whoppy King' was eventually hanged at the Saint Catherine District Prison on Friday April 4, 1952 with almost half of Spanish Town residents gathered outside the prison walls to await the announcement of his death. 'Whoppy King' had many sympathizers , especially those who benefited from his illicit gain and Robin Hood style of life. Interestingly, his girlfriend Ruby was attacked and stabbed in her back by Joyce Maitland, a neighbour of hers living at 60 West Street. Miss Maitland accused Ruby of 'giving away 'Whoppy King', as it was said that it was Ruby who led the police to 'Whoppy King's' whereabout as well as handing over his bloody clothes, said to have been worn when he committed the act. Two years after the hanging of 'Whoppy King' his name again made the news when ghouls tried to unearth his grave in an attempt to get his skull for use in obeah/witchcraft ritual.
The story of Aston `Whoppy King' Jolly is still talked about today and is now available on DVD, with graphics and interviews with people who knew him.

Overstanding Rastafari


'Overstanding Rastarfari', the latest book by Dub Poet Yasus Afari, is without doubt an authentic compilation and in dept look at the Rastafarian movement. Unlike other authors, Yasus Afari took the time and care in expounding on the ever evolving and often misunderstood philosophy and ideals of Rastafari. Chock full with data relating to important dates and landmarks significant to the the movement, this makes the book a must for students, theologians and enthusiasts and everyone in general.
Gleaner columnist and talk show host, Ian Boyne in his introduction stated, "Yasus has offered us in this volume a most comprehensive compendium of Rastafarian history, culture and belief. Usually, the people who write about Rastafari are not Rastafarian".
Professor Barry Chevannes, (Professor Emeritus of Social Anthropology, University of the West Indies) and who is overly qualified to speak on the subject of Rastafari, stated in the foreword, "Yasus Afari's insightful, ecumenical approach to religious thought puts Rastafari on the same level as that of other world religion. From his fluent and graceful prose-after all, one is reminded that he is also a poet, the reader is able to achieve greater understanding of the universal appeal of this former cult of fishermen and coal burners".
Dr. Clinton Hutton (Lecturer in Political Studies, the University of The West Indies) in his review, wrote "Overstanding Rastafari is the articulate expression of aspects of the experience, livity and meaning of Rastafari as an open-ended root searching, identity constructing redemptive and epistemic mode of free sovereign human, written by Yasus Afari. And who better, at this time to extend the narrative on Rastafari than one of its own voices, the notable Yasus Afari.
The book is distributed by Senya-Cum
(876)904-9690/ (876)398-8616
email:edutainmentpromo@yahoo.com
www.yasusafari.com

Monday, June 11, 2007

Alex Durie

One thing for sure is that there is no shortage of unsung heroes and heroines in Jamaica. Alex Durie is one of those Jamaicans yet to show up on the radar screen as it relates to the pioneering of Jamaica's recording industry. And while Ken Khouri is pretty recognized in the recording industry, not much is known of the partnership and supporting role played by Alex Durie.
At 87 years old and fighting a battle against blindness, Alex is far from being a bitter man over his non recognition, and in fact, he wouldn't even be bothered if his worth and contribution in not made known. According to Alex, it was Ken Khouri who came to him with the idea and request for financial backing for the establishment of Record Limited, located then in (1954) at 129 King Street. After obliging Ken Khouri and with equal stake holding, the duo launched into record production with the initial aim of competing with Stanley Motta. In fact, the duo had another associate in Tony Hart, who was operating out of Montego Bay. Hart was just getting ready to launch his recording business with the aim of also competing with Stanly Motta, in the then, very vibrant `Mento/Calypso market. Ken and Alex then bought out Tony Hart's business and went on to establish the very first record manufacturing plant in Jamaica.
While Ken concentrated on making records, Alex operated the famous Times Store at 12 King Street. The store became a major distributor of Mento/ Calypso records in the initial stage and even had its own label, Times Label`. Record Limited was later moved to the Hunts Bay Industrial Park, where it was renamed, Federal Recording Company in 1957.
The Times legacy started in 1897 when Alex's father started the Jamaica Times Newspaper and Times Store. in 1935 while at the mere age of 15, Alex started working in the family business and finally took over full control in 1947 until the business folded in 2003. The store became a household name in Jamaica and was famous for its annual Christmas Float Parade
During the period he made invaluable contribution in the field of commerce, and rose to become the president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce in 1962. He served downtown Kingston to its fullest and with non of his children interested in continuing the business, it folded. Part of the building is currently being rented out as a restaurant. Vintage Boss Productions salutes Alex Durie.
Colby Graham

Saturday, June 9, 2007

`Boysie Blue` The Alphanso Castro Story.


Alphanso Castro is a very colourful character from the yesteryears until this day. From the early 1960s he was one of Jamaica's most popular dancers, earning his fame by way of the popular 1960s swinging programme, `Teenage Dance Party`. A product of Kingston's rich inner city community of Whaltham Park, Alphanso displayed an early knock for dancing, having been influenced by his father,a musician and port worker from the early Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, era.
Other noted Jamaican dancers such as Captain Fish & Willy, Persian, Sparky & Pluggy and Pam Pam also influenced Alphanso who was known as `Boysie Blue`during his childhood years. Another influence in his life was his mother who was a good dancer and a promoter of cultural events such as Maypole contest. His versatility as a showman took him beyond dancing and into live music with the Carlos Malcolm & The Afro-Jamaican Rhythm Band, as a percussionist and backup singer. For many years he toured with the band all over the Caribbean and North America, sharing the bandstand with others such as Lascelles Perkins, Derrick Harriott, Boris Gardiner, Carl `Cannonball` Bryan and Trevor Lopez. In 1964 he was part of the dynamic team of Jamaican representatives to the Worlds Trade Fair in New York.
In 1966 Alphanso migrated to the United States and continued where he left off in Jamaica. He worked out with Bumps Jackson's & The Caps aggregation as well with Monty Alexander's aggregation at the Riverboat Club, situated under the famous Empire State Building. For nearly 20 years he worked in the airline industry with Pam-Am and National Airlines, both stationed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Now retired, he still finds time to make guest appearances at events in and around the New York area. Alphanso currently lives in Long Island, N.Y.
Soon to be released. The DVD series,`Boysie Blue` The Alphanso Castro Story,