Earl Sixteen

Earl Sixteen, born Earl John Daley in Kingston, Jamaica in 1958, is a respected reggae vocalist whose career began in the mid-1970s. Raised in the Waltham Park Road area, he was influenced by American soul and Jamaican singers such as Dennis Brown. He started out in local talent shows before becoming lead singer of the group The Flaming Phonics, later deciding to pursue music full-time despite personal hardships. His early solo breakthrough came with the song “Malcolm X” (1975), produced by Joe Gibbs and later popularized by Dennis Brown. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Earl Sixteen built a strong reputation within roots reggae, working with many of Jamaica’s most influential producers. He recorded at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s legendary Black Ark studio, where he cut the original version of “White Belly Rat,” and later collaborated with producers such as Augustus Pablo, Sugar Minott, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Yabby You, and Mikey Dread. His work during this period showcased a conscious, roots-driven vocal style, leading to albums such as Shining Star, Julie, and Special Request. In the mid-1980s, Earl Sixteen relocated to England, where he expanded his sound by working with UK producers like Mad Professor and Stafford Douglas, blending reggae with emerging electronic influences. He later returned to Jamaica briefly before re-establishing himself internationally. Since 1995, he has been a core vocalist for the British electronic-reggae group Dreadzone, gaining wider global recognition. Despite decades in the industry, Earl Sixteen remains active, touring and recording while maintaining his status as a bridge between classic roots reggae and modern fusion styles.