Harry J
Harry J | |
|---|---|
Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica[2] | |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Insurance salesman, record producer |
| Instrument(s) | Bass |
| Years active | 1968–1995 2002–2013 |
| Labels | Studio One, Harry J, Jaywax |
Harry Zephaniah Johnson (6 July 1945 – 3 April 2013), known by the stage name Harry J, was a Jamaican reggae record producer.
Biography
Born in
hit "No More Heartaches", one of the earliest reggae songs to be recorded.[3] His agreement with Coxsone Dodd allowed him to use Studio One's facilities, where he produced the hit "Cuss Cuss" with singer Lloyd Robinson, which became one of the most covered riddims in Jamaica, with notable versions released by Horace Andy and Lloyd Barnes.[3]
Johnson also released music under a subsidiary label, Jaywax.
In October 1969, he met success in the UK with "
UK Singles Chart) recorded with his sessionband, The Harry J All Stars. (it was also a hit again in 1980, reaching number 42.)[3][4][5] This single became one of the anthems of the emerging skinhead youth subculture; together with other instrumental hits released in the UK through his own subdivision "Harry J" on Trojan Records, on a compilation album
of the same name.
In the beginning of the 1970s, he enjoyed another big success with the vocal duo
Scotty among others, and many dub
versions.
Harry J Studio
Johnson is mainly known for his Harry J Studio where
, could be found hanging out in the sound room prior to moving to England in the early 1970s.In 1972, Harry Johnson sold his record shop and set up his own recording studio "Harry J", on 10 Roosevelt Avenue, Uptown Kingston, where he employed Sid Bucknor and later Sylvan Morris as resident recording engineer.Catch A Fire.[2]
Johnson's deal with
Sly & Robbie, and newer projects of Shakira, Papa Sam/Kirk Franklyn, Luciano and Sizzla. The studio appeared in the film, Rockers
.
Personal life
Johnson died on 3 April 2013 after a long battle with
Discography
Harry J Allstars
- Harry J Allstars – The Liquidator– 1969 – Harry J/Trojan
- Harry J Allstars – Liquidator: The Best Of The Harry J Allstars – 2003 – Trojan
- Harry J Allstars – Dubbing At Harry J's 1972–1975 – Jamaican Recordings
Compilations
- Various Artists – Reggae Movement – 1970 – Harry J/Trojan
- Various Artists – What Am I To Do – 1970 – Harry J/Trojan
- Various Artists – Reggay Roots – 1977 – Harry J
- Various Artists – Computer – 1985 – Sunset
- Various Artists – The Return Of the Liquidator: 30 Skinhead Classics 1968–1970 – 1989 – Trojan – 2 CD
As a producer
- Sylvan Morris & Harry J – Cultural Dub – 1978 – Harry J
- Sylvan Morris – Jah Jah Dub – Roosevelt
- The Heptones – Book of Rules – 1973 – Jaywax
- The Heptones – Cool Rasta – 1976 – Trojan
- Leslie Butler – Ja-Gan – 1975 – Trojan
- Zap Pow – Revolution – 1976 – Trojan
- Lloyd Willis – Gits Plays Bob Marley's Greatest Hits – 1977 – Harry J
- The Melodians – Sweet Sensation – 1977 – Harry J
- Sheila Hilton – "Breakfast in Bed" – 1977– Harry J
- Dennis Brown – So Long Rastafari – 1979 – Harry J
See also
References
- ^ a b c Meschino, Patricia. "Harry Johnson, Legendary Jamaican Producer of Harry J Studios Credited with First Reggae Single, Dead at 67". billboardbiz. Billboard. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
- ^ a b c "Producer Harry J DEAD AT 68". Jamaica Observer website. Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
- ^ ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, p. 139
- ^ Harry J All-Stars, Chart Stats, retrieved 23 May 2010
- ^ Harry J All-Stars And The Pioneers, Chart Stats, retrieved 23 May 2010
- ISBN 0-87930-655-6, p. 311-2
- ^ "Famed Jamaican reggae producer Harry Johnson dies – News". Boston.com. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
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