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

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.

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

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

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!