Country: Jamaica
Jackie Edwards (1938 – 15 August 1992) was a versatile Jamaican musician, songwriter, and record producer whose career spanned ska, R&B, soul, rocksteady, reggae, and ballads. Early Life Born Wilfred Gerald Edwards in Jamaica, 1938. Grew up in a large family with fourteen siblings. Influenced by Nat King Cole, he began performing at the age of 14. Career Highlights 1959: Came to the attention of Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records. 1960–1961: Scored four number one singles in Jamaica, all self-written ballads with Latin-influenced arrangements. 1962: Moved to London with Chris Blackwell when Island Records was set up. Worked as a solo artist and collaborated with Millie Small. Also handled label duties, such as delivering records. Songwriting Success: Wrote hit songs for other artists, including: Keep On Running – Number 1 UK single for The Spencer Davis Group Somebody Help Me – Number 1 UK single for The Spencer Davis Group Recording Career: Continued as a recording artist through the mid-1980s, often produced by Bunny Lee. Collaboration with The Aggrovators: Produced notable tracks, including a recut of Burning Spear’s Invasion (Wadada), popular with roots sound systems. Production Work: Co-produced the 1977 album Move Up Starsky by The Mexicano. Later songs were covered by newer artists, such as Dionne Bromfield’s “Oh Henry” (2009). Labels & Publishing Mainly associated with Island Records during his early UK career. The majority of his catalog is published through Fairwood Music (UK) Ltd. Death Died on 15 August 1992 from a heart attack at the age of 53–54
Gallery
