Country: Jamaica
Devon Russell (6 August 1948 – 18 June 1997) was a Jamaican rocksteady and reggae singer and record producer, known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of The Tartans and Cultural Roots. Early Career Russell began his musical journey in the 1960s with The Tartans, alongside Prince Lincoln Thompson, Linbergh "Preps" Lewis, and Cedric Myton. After the group disbanded, he pursued a solo career and briefly became the lead singer of Cultural Roots. He also collaborated with Cedric Myton under the duo Devon & Cedric. In the mid-1970s, he recorded 11 tracks for legendary producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, though these recordings were never released. Solo Success In the early 1980s, Russell recorded for Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s Studio One label. His debut solo album, Roots Music (1982), was produced by Dodd and released on Sweet Music Records. In 1983, he joined The Congos for a European tour and eventually moved to the United Kingdom. He later worked with Roy Cousins, releasing his second album, Prison Life. In the early 1990s, Russell collaborated with Zion Train and Skaville Train, exploring dub and reggae fusion styles. His fourth album, Darker Than Blue (1996), was a tribute to Curtis Mayfield, featuring covers of Mayfield songs. Production Work Russell also produced music for other artists, including Big Youth’s 1978 album Isaiah First Prophet of the Old. Death Devon Russell passed away from a brain tumour on 18 June 1997, just a year after releasing Darker Than Blue. He is remembered for his smooth vocal style, his contributions to reggae and rocksteady, and his role in both group and solo projects that shaped Jamaican music across three decades.
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