Well known and adulated in Jamaica, Johnny Clarke gave credentials to the Dance-Hall like Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs.
Talented singer, clever remixer, composer, but also pianist in his spare time. He appears on the albums of many Jamaican artists including Ossie Hibberts and Jah Stich. Clarke's signature is this supple and smooth voice, these soaring and ghostly atmospheres and this palpable spirituality. Because Clarke is deeply rasta, he advocates the love of the neighbor, the non-violence and, quite simply, the rasta culture in his texts ("I sing my lyrics, because the music is a weapon") but does not forget for all that the songs of love.
Born in 55, in Kingston, in a difficult district, he hangs very quickly around recording studios. When he was 17, he recorded his first song with Rupie Edwards "God Made The Sea and The Sun". Edwards senses the vocal qualities and the exceptional performer. Two other songs will follow. Then the meeting with Bunny Lee will seal its destiny. An intensive collaboration and a close relationship between the two men started.
From 75 to 80, Clarke records for "Stricker" Lee, the hits follow one another. The Jamaican public, so versatile and demanding, admires him. He even manages to saturate the market of the island and Dennis Brown trembles for his place! He found the recipe, alternating covers (Abyssinians, Burning Spear) and original compositions; all set to music by the famous studio orchestra, The Aggravators, and mixed by a certain King Tubby. He also worked in the 80's with Prince Jammy, Mad Professor or Steelie & Cleavie and recorded several singles.
Some of his songs are forever written in the history of reggae, like "African Roots", "African People", "They never love", "Dread is Dread", "In the roots of the ghetto" ...
Since then, many reissues and compilations retrace the exceptional production of Clarke. He remains a major singer, with the suave and frail voice, characteristic of the old reggae. His live performances show his talent, a greater mastery than ever and an unaltered voice.
Rototom Sunsplash
No Logo Festival
One Love Copenhagen
Plein les Watts Festival
