Ska Rocksteady Reggae icon! Roy Shirley (Sunsplash 1993)

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  • Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
  • ‪@LeoOReggio‬
    Facebook.com: everoreggio
    Ainsworth Roy Rushton Shirley (18 July 1944 - July 2008), better known simply as Roy Shirley, and also known as King Roy Shirley and The High Priest, was a Jamaican singer whose career spanned the ska, rocksteady, and reggae eras, and whose "Hold Them" is regarded by some as the first ever rocksteady song. He was also one of the original members of The Uniques.
    Shirley was born on North Street in Kingston, Jamaica, on 18 July 1944, and grew up in Trench Town, where he attended the Boys Town school, and after singing in his local church choir began his career performing in talent contests. His second prize performance on Vere Johns' talent show brought him to the attention of the then Minister of Culture Edward Seaga and bandleader Byron Lee, who gave him work on shows that they promoted.
    After early recordings for producer Simeon L. Smith went unreleased, he moved on to work with Leslie Kong, who released his debut single "Oh Shirley", and co-arranged with his friend Jimmy Cliff, giving him a hit in 1965. Shirley then formed The Leaders along with Ken Boothe, Joe White, and Chuck Josephs. This group was unsuccessful, but Shirley went on to join Slim Smith and Franklyn White in the original line-up of The Uniques. When this line-up folded, Shirley recorded "Hold Them" in 1966, credited as one of the first rocksteady songs, and inspired by the beat from a Salvation Army band. Shirley attempted to perform "Hold Them" to a ska beat, but was unable to make it work, slowing down the rhythm. He initially attempted to record the song with Slim Smith and Ken Boothe for producer Joe Gibbs, but it didn't work out, with the other singers struggling to break away from the ska style, and Gladstone Anderson suggested to Gibbs that Shirley perform the song solo. The song became a massive hit in Jamaica, and Shirley recorded several more singles for Gibbs, including "Dance Arena", "The World Needs Love", and "Music Is The Key", but these failed to match the success of the first single. Shirley moved on to work with Bunny Lee giving the producer his first hit with "Music Field", which was followed by others such as "Get on the Ball". Shirley's style draws heavily from American soul singers such as Solomon Burke. He became renowned for his ecstatic stage performances, often performing wearing a long silver cape with a high collar, and was described by the Jamaica Observer as "perhaps the most comedic performer to evolve out of Jamaican popular music". In late 1968, Shirley set up his own Public label and began self-production, releasing tracks such as "Prophecy Fulfilling", "Flying Reggae", and "On Board".
    Shirley had another big hit in 1971 with "A Sugar" for Randy's. He toured the United Kingdom in 1972 with U-Roy and Max Romeo and became based in the UK from 1973, setting up his All Stars Artistic Federated Union in 1976, with the aim of helping other artists to avoid some of the pitfalls of the music business. He released his first album in 1976, with The Winner. He performed at Reggae Sunsplash in 1982 and was included on the album of performances from the festival. Shirley opened a record shop in Dalston, London, and in his later years he set up the British Universal Talent Development Association, with the aim of supporting talented but underprivileged youngsters. He continued to perform occasionally, and his last show was at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in June 2008.
    Roy Shirley died at his home in Thamesmead, London, in July 2008, aged 63. A memorial concert was held on 30 August, featuring performances from the likes of Derrick Morgan, Dennis Alcapone, B. B. Seaton, and Michael Prophet. With the assistance of the Jamaican government, his body was returned to Jamaica, where he was buried and where a memorial service was held, attended by musicians including Ken Boothe and Dwight Pinkney and representatives of the government.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 66

  •  Рік тому +7

    Legendary!!!!!

  • @jomohector5274
    @jomohector5274 Рік тому +3

    😂is that the great man himself horse mouth on the drums, legendary stuff man, 🙏🏽🇯🇲🎤🎼

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  Рік тому

      The one and only, Papa. Legendary musician.

  • @JamaicaBK1
    @JamaicaBK1 2 роки тому +12

    Am not saying that the music was going to stay the same way everyday...but which ever directions it takes these are the best days of Jamaican music and that's why they cannot stop playing and they will be playing forever

  • @RootzofMusicInc
    @RootzofMusicInc 2 роки тому +6

    This is the gentleman who gave me my first experience in the recording session, in addition he was Honorable thing by paying me for the work done. "He was an amazing human being "!

    • @blairboyd5617
      @blairboyd5617 Місяць тому

      I know when this song was released in the 1970s ,Roy Shirley was one of my favorite singers. He does not get the kind of rating like some of the other singers them ok .

  • @normanosborne7367
    @normanosborne7367 Рік тому +6

    ❤️💖🖤❤️💖🖤❤️💖🖤❤️
    ROY HANDLE THE STAGE LIKE A TRUE PROFESSIONAL.
    AND THE MELODIES SWEET LIKE HIS VOCALS.
    🔴🟣🔵🔴🟣🔵🔴🟣🔵🔴

  • @leonleiffer1915
    @leonleiffer1915 2 роки тому +7

    Foundation builders of Jamaica music culture worldwide,
    He also encouraged I to go forward in music industry and reach out to the sky because there is no limited to try and reach your goals, RIEP Roy Shirley
    THE BLACKSTONES

  • @donmiknelli6808
    @donmiknelli6808 6 місяців тому +2

    Roy Shirley! The High Priest! All my love to him and his wonderful music!❤🎶🇯🇲🎶❤️

  • @timothymcguire3122
    @timothymcguire3122 11 місяців тому +4

    I had the privilege to see Roy Shirley in person & it was an unexpected emotional experience that I will never forget, then I found out a few months later he passed away, he was truly a spokesman for love 💙

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  11 місяців тому +1

      A pure soul, he was, Timothy. Thank you for liking and subscribing. Stay safe.

  • @michaeltorres1654
    @michaeltorres1654 2 роки тому +12

    Thank you for sharing all of these classic Sunsplash videos. Good to see Horsemouth on the drums. RIP Tony Johnson & Roy Shirley.

    • @organicplanets
      @organicplanets Рік тому

      Oh yes, Leroy 'Horsemouth' ive not searched for a while, not much of him live

  • @nellynelson5315
    @nellynelson5315 2 роки тому +5

    Brilliant! My late hubby bassman Ras Elroy Bailey's mentor from the 80's..❤💛💚🖤🙏

  • @basillinton4099
    @basillinton4099 2 роки тому +6

    As a son off the early sixties I grow up on a lot off Roy Shirley hits he was a real hit maker

  • @reggaeroots1693
    @reggaeroots1693 2 роки тому +12

    He owned and ran a reggae record shop in London UK back in the day...LEGEND!

    • @hopebgood
      @hopebgood 11 місяців тому

      I don't know if it was the same reggae record shop (probably not) but me and a couple of my mates met up with Roy after seeing him do some London pub gigs in the late 80's to discuss opening a reggae record shop called Far Out Sounds. At the time it just all fizzled out and ended up with Roy and all of us talking about it in friends flats and just getting stoned. Fun times 😉

  • @carlosmagnofrazaofrazao8683
    @carlosmagnofrazaofrazao8683 29 днів тому +1

    Algumas desses reggae chegaram aqui em São Luís do Maranhão capital Brasileira do reggae nos anos 90 👏👏😢

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  28 днів тому +1

      @@carlosmagnofrazaofrazao8683 thank you for liking and subscribing. Stay safe

  • @rodrigocorrea7459
    @rodrigocorrea7459 Рік тому +4

    Que show!
    Um grande maestro chega arrepia
    Maravilha.

  • @oliverose3465
    @oliverose3465 2 роки тому +4

    Was one of my favorite Roy Shirley

  • @LadyDee-rg9ee
    @LadyDee-rg9ee 2 роки тому +3

    They don't come like this anymore. Suh a great treasure.

  • @rerissongomes1351
    @rerissongomes1351 Рік тому +2

    Amo Reggae esses cantores são uns Gênios da Música 🤙

  • @eugenecrozier9241
    @eugenecrozier9241 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for the Sunsplash vibes. Watching it over and over. Just wish it could be in colour. Keep Reggae Sunsplash alive 🎵🔥
    More fire

  • @oliverose3465
    @oliverose3465 2 роки тому +3

    Vintage love it

  • @RobervalCosta-ze2yx
    @RobervalCosta-ze2yx 3 місяці тому +1

    Esse cara canta muito, nunca tinha visto ele

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  3 місяці тому

      Thank you for liking and subscribing. Muchas gracias.

  • @RobervalCosta-ze2yx
    @RobervalCosta-ze2yx 3 місяці тому +1

    Só pedrada

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  3 місяці тому

      Thank you for liking and subscribing. Stay tuned.

  • @musicinfatuation
    @musicinfatuation 2 роки тому +2

    Singer songwriter/comedian ♥

  • @iyahras2918
    @iyahras2918 2 роки тому +3

    This is classic, great upload

  • @PEEDUBBAYOU
    @PEEDUBBAYOU 2 роки тому +4

    To how me love RoyShirley! Heartbreaking Gypsy all day everyday.
    No one could torture a note like Bredda Roy.

  • @edelsonfranca6807
    @edelsonfranca6807 2 місяці тому +1

    Me arrepiei todo 😢

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  2 місяці тому

      @@edelsonfranca6807 thank you for liking and subscribing. Please donate to help restore my remaining 80s 90s videotapes which are old and fragile but have exciting content. paypal.me/leooreggio. Stay safe.

  • @JoaoSilva-lz9oh
    @JoaoSilva-lz9oh 4 місяці тому +1

    Jah rasta man ❤️💛💚🖤💛❤️💚🖤💛

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you for liking and subscribing. Stay safe.

  • @annied339
    @annied339 2 роки тому +2

    Never knew his name but I know his tunes 🎶 🎵 Thank youuuuu for this

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  2 роки тому +1

      My pleasure, Ann. Stay safe.

  • @willieluncheonette5843
    @willieluncheonette5843 2 роки тому +3

    Thanks for this! His ska output was extremely small I think.....more forward in the rock steady and reggae eras.

  • @rootstothebone2939
    @rootstothebone2939 Рік тому +2

    Interesting headgear!

  • @JamaicaBK1
    @JamaicaBK1 2 роки тому

    Give thanks to the providing source of this video

  • @trishnewman910
    @trishnewman910 10 місяців тому

    RIEP, Mr Shirley.

  • @juliocesarcutrimcutrim5728
    @juliocesarcutrimcutrim5728 2 роки тому +3

    nota dez

  • @ganjafarmer1572
    @ganjafarmer1572 26 днів тому +1

    Roy working with some great musicians: Bagga, Horsemouth, Dalton, Deadly Hedley.

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  26 днів тому +1

      Great observation. Thank you for liking and subscribing. Stay safe.

  • @jahvaults6500
    @jahvaults6500 2 роки тому +2

    The musical high priest

  • @xavierdecozar9448
    @xavierdecozar9448 7 місяців тому

    Pioneer and one of truly creators of Rocksteady beat but what the hell is he wearing on his head?😮

  • @alessandrosouzzasouzza7881
    @alessandrosouzzasouzza7881 2 роки тому +3

    Alessandro de Souza GERÔNIMO

  • @ZIGGYMARLEYSOUZA
    @ZIGGYMARLEYSOUZA Рік тому +1

    Pq ele canta com isso nas costas?

  • @peterreid4435
    @peterreid4435 2 роки тому +1

    the late great John Waikeling on RJR top ten today!!!!!!!!!

  • @organicplanets
    @organicplanets 10 місяців тому +1

    Is that Leroy on drums? 😍

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  10 місяців тому +2

      The great Leroy "horse mouth" Wallace is playing the drums.

  • @papajahko7121
    @papajahko7121 2 роки тому +3

    Another gem 💎 thnx Leo……..but what’s with the headgear ? 😂

    • @papajahko7121
      @papajahko7121 2 роки тому +1

      @@SabiArtStory777 Might’ve been on a long flight ✈️. Looks like an early version of those neck pillows 😂😂😂x

    • @papajahko7121
      @papajahko7121 2 роки тому +1

      @@SabiArtStory777 🤷‍♂️😂

    • @dehdehblacks2086
      @dehdehblacks2086 2 роки тому +5

      No it wasn't an early version of a neck brace, Roy Shirley always wore very high collar shirts and jackets. I guess he didn't have a high collar shirt for this performance, so he improvised. That type of dressing would show that he IS the high priest of soul, that was the moniker that he called himself and all of his shirts and jackets as I say had very high collars. If you do the research you will see that what I'm saying is quite true. I remember it very well from the '60s I Dehdeh Blacks, I'm telling the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

    • @papajahko7121
      @papajahko7121 2 роки тому +3

      @@dehdehblacks2086 Yes you’re correct & he probably was improvising with the collar for this performance 😂. Just having a giggle my friend…….Roy is a firm favourite of mine for a long time & yes the high collar was a thing back in the day……….Manners n Respek all day every day…….Love fae Scotland
      🤜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇲🤛🏾

  • @rowanhanniford413
    @rowanhanniford413 2 місяці тому +1

    Here's mouth pon drum

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  2 місяці тому

      @@rowanhanniford413 real rocksteady. I have lots of tapes with all kinds of musical treats from the 80s to now but they need repair. A donation towards that would be sincerely appreciatoved. Stay safe.

  • @josuedesousa870
    @josuedesousa870 Рік тому +1

    qual é o nome da música 5:00?

    • @LeoOReggio
      @LeoOReggio  Рік тому +1

      Nome da musica, "Golden Festival".