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

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

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

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

`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,

Sonny Bradshaw: `The Dean`

At 81 years old, Cecil `Sonny` Bradshaw is truly a Jamaican treasure, `The Dean`. Born in Kingston `Under The Clock`, (the term used to described those born in downtown,Kingston), Sonny was exposed to the piano before age 10 and although he could master it, his pet instrument eventually became the trumpet.
After attending Central Branch All Age School he went on to Kingston Technical High School.
His fascination with radio led him and a few of his friends into experimenting with radio communication. Their effort resulted in the group successfully being able to establish radio contact with radio stations in North America and Europe and indeed the whole world. His love for music saw the young Sonny trekking across the city to attend musical events spearheaded by great musicians such as Milton McPherson, Redver Cooke and Eric Deans until he started playing in an organized manner. In 1950 he formed the `Sonny Bradshaw 7`, and became a major force in live music. In 1959 Sonny joined the staff of the newly formed Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation( JBC) and became a founding member of the JBC Orchestra, along with the likes of Carlos Malcolm. Out of the JBC experience was born the famous popular afternoon radio programme `Teenage Dance Party`, founded by Sonny in 1959. He stayed with the programme until 1964 when the infamous JBC strike resulted in Sonny and other colleagues being made redundant.
His next move took him to Jamaica Welfare Services, where he spent quite a number of years making invaluable contribution towards social and cultural development. Sonny championed the cause for musician's welfare through the formation of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, serving as president for 14 years. The Jamaica `Big Band` and the annual `Ocho Rios Jazz` series were the brainchild of Sonny. Presently, the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival is in its 17 years and is the `Real Macaw` in terms of authentic Jazz, Sonny's first love. Perhaps, the greatest asset of Sonny lies within his head and the longer it takes the powers-that-be to recognize and harness his great knowledge for the documentation and preservation of Jamaica's cultural heritage, it is the worst off the nation will be, culturally. Fortunately, Sonny's contribution was recognized when the Order of Distinction (OD)was bestowed on him by the government.
Coming soon is the DVD feature. `The Dean` The Sonny Bradshaw Story Part.1
Vintage Boss.

Remembering Vere Johns Pt. 3

Resettling in Jamaica seemed easy for Vere and his American born wife and she quickly adapted to the Jamaican way of life. Vere started writing for the Evon Blake owned Spotlight and Newday publications and the Jamaica Times. Again the old flare for telling it like it is started to impact the Jamaican media landscape as he took the supervising editorship of the Jamaica Times. He however got into early trouble when he became involved in a libel suit to the tune of 250 pounds damages and 1100 pounds in cost.
In 1947 he joined the Gleaner Company and was quickly out of there after what was deemed, a difference of opinion. The Advocate Newspaper was his next stop until he rejoined the Gleaner Company, this time as a writer with the company's afternoon paper, `The Star`, in 1952. Vere used his pen to great effect in his popular `Vere Johns Say`, a column made most famous up to the time of his death in 1966. A hard hitting writer, he spared non as he exposed many an absurdity and abuse, and the public man who felt he could never win the approval of Vere Johns, might sometimes be led to seek at least the approval of his conscience.
Not clearly expressing his political persuasion, Vere found the ideals of People National Party (PNP) more to his liking, as the party it appeared, seemed to expressed the aspiration of the newspaper-reading, working and middle-class folks. Nonetheless, Vere's success as a columnist was due mainly to his belief, in what was his own conviction.
During his journalistic work Vere joined The RAF_Recruiting Staff in 1943 and the following year he was transferred to Palisadoes as Chief Clerk in charge of Family Allowance. At the time too he started managing the Majestic Theatre along with his wife. It was at that theatre and others such as the Ward, Gaiety, Carib, Palace, Queens,Ambassador and theatres throughout rural Jamaica that he made his mark. Indeed the cream of the crop of Jamaica's musical greats were exposed via the `Opportunity Hour`, among them Lascelles Perkins, Alton & Eddie, Higgs & Wilson, Hortense Ellis, Stranger Cole, Jimmy Tucker, Simms & Robinson, Blues Busters, Fay Benneth, Lloyd Clarke, John Holt, Wilfred `Jackie` Edwards, Carl `Jackie` Estick, Roy Richards, Glen Adams, Lord Tanamo, Count Sticky, Derrick Morgan, Derrick Harriott, Rico Rodriques, Lester Sterling and Charles `Charlie Organaire` Cameron.
On the Jamaican acting scene, Vere was simple awesome in productions such as `Babes In The Woods`, `Fools Paradise`,`Arsenic and Old Lace`, `The King`, `Hamlet`, `The Songs of Bernadette`,`The Ghost Train`,`Are You A Mason`,`Merchant of Venice`, `Othello`and`Doctor Pilski. In 1955 he starred in the motion picture `Manfish` which was filmed at Morgan's Harbour, outside Port Royal. In 1956 he acted in one of the first Jamaican produced films by the Jamaica Film Unit, `It Could Happen To You`.
Vere was buried with military honours at the Garrison cemetery, Up Park Camp, with some of the most prominent Jamaicans turning out to pay their last respect to the giant.
Today, there is not one public or private monument to honour the great Man. No street, school,park, theatre, statue, building or even a scholarship in memory of the Vere Everette Johns and his wife Lillian Johns.
Soon to be released `Remembering Vere Johns`, the DVD series and Vintage Boss Magazine, special series, `Vere Johns The Legend`
Soon to be released. Remembering Vere Johns: The DVD series!
Vintage Boss

Remembering Vere Johns Pt.2

Vere Johns got married in 1926 when he took the hand of a very beautiful assistant post mistress working at the Linstead Post Office, Miss Lucas. Despite wearing many hats he was still able to find time to frequently write to the editors of various newspapers, on issues of various matters. This prepared Vere for his sojourn into journalism when he migrated to the United States in 1929. Never the type to be satisfied with little, he also took an active part in radio and stage dramatics, both producing and acting. Vere worked with several newspapers, the likes of New York World, New York Herald Tribune, New York Age, The Boston Chronicle and the Savannah Journal. In 1934, Vere's marriage ended in divorce.
It was in 1935 that Vere walked in the stage door of a Harlem theatre to start production on a new play when he was introduced to a budding actress by the name of Lillian Margaret May. A few months later they were married. Lillian, known in acting circles as `Lady Luck`, was a Brooklyn born beauty and she went on to play a tremendous role in Vere's life, as wife, mother and business associate. The Johns eventually moved to Savannah, Georgia where Vere became the editor of the Savannah Tribune Newspaper. He quickly became a central figure in the Savannah area and gained a lot of respect from many. One such person was the owner of the Savannah Star Cinema, a Mr. Thomas, who asked Vere to give him an idea in order to boost the attendance at the cinema. Vere took the matter to his wife and she suggested the implementation of the `Opportunity Hour` talent show. Wasting no time, Lillian organized the very first `Opportunity Hour` in 1937, in which she auditioned the contestants, emceed and performed.
The contest ran until 1939 when the family relocated to Jamaica and where the then manager of the Palace Amusement Company, Audley Morais, asked the Johns to continue the contest at the Palace Theatre. Hence, the first Jamaican `Opportunity Hour` took place at the Palace Theatre in 1939 with the first winner being Denzil Laing.

Di Little Boy In Di Yard

The name Dudley Sibley is not one that readily comes to mind, except you are familiar with the daily happenings at Sonic Sound, Studio One or Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA). Yet, here is an artiste who was good enough to have hit the British and local charts in the 1960s with his first recording, `Gunman`. (1966)
Dudley migrated from his rural district in the parish of Saint Mary to Kingston in the late 1950s. Having to overcome the adversity of not having his mother or father around, he was taken care of by a friend of his aunt who eventually took him to stay in the Kencot area of the city. Dudley made friends with Trevor Wilson, brother of Delroy Wilson who at the time was creating waves in the Jamaica's music. Trevor encouraged Dudley move in with his family in Trench Town and from there Dudley was taken to the famous Studio One. Making himself worthwhile, Dudley started doing janitorial work at the studio, including the cleaning of Sir Coxsone Dodd's car.
With an ambition to be a recording artiste, Dudley sneaked into the studio when he could and with the help of the likes of Jackie Mittoo and BB Seaton, was able to record his first song, `Gunman`. Interestingly, when Sir Coxsone heard the recording and asked who it was, he was told that it was `Di little Boy In Di Yard`.
The song became a hit in Jamaica but was eventually banned, in keeping with government's policy against what was deemed anti government sentiments at the time. `Gunman`, with its thumping Rocksteady beat made its way on the British chart, reaching the number eight position. Several other good songs followed, `Run Boy Run`, `Hole In Your Soul`, `Having A Party`, `Time Is The Key` and `My Whole World Ended`.
Unable to sustain the kind of momentum to keep his career going, Dudley suffered from mental depression and was admitted to the Bellevue Hospital for a brief period. He eventually checked himself out and resumed his singing career as well as entering theological college and graduated with a diploma in theology. Dudley is currently working on a soon- to- be released album which will also include some gospel recordings. His compilation entitled `Dudley Sibley: A Studio One Pioneer`, is a must for all who value good Jamaican music. Coming soon too is the Vintage Boss Productions, DVD feature entitled `Di Little Boy In Di Yard: The Dudley Sibley Story`.

Roy Richards Passed On

The blind genius Roy Richards passed away on Friday May 25, 2007 at his home in Saint Ann, Jamaica. Small in stature and blind since birth in 1941, Roy emerged out of the late 1950s (1959) when he copped the first prize numerous times blowing his harmonica on the popular Opportunity Hour talent show hosted by Vere Johns and his wife, Lillian.
Roy, like other winners at the time then went straight into recording when he went to Vincent Randy's Chin and Sir Coxsone and did several recording backings with his trademark harmonica. His vocal ability was brought to the fore and Roy teamed with Paulette March, to record several top pieces. He also teamed up with Enid Cumberland (Keith and Enid fame). Throughout the 1960s he worked out with Byron Lee and the Dragaonaires Band and even formed his own, Roy Richards and The Ramblers Band.
Though not as versatile a harmonica player as the great Charles `Charlie Organiare` Cameron, Roy thrilled thousands in his lifetime and copped the Popular Song Contest(formerly Festival Song Contest) in 2001 with the catchy song called `Lift up Jamaica`.
Vintage Boss