Country: Jamaica
Israel Vibration is a Jamaican roots reggae harmony group from Kingston, formed in the 1970s. The founding members—Lascelle "Wiss" Bulgin (b. 1955), Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig (1955–2020), and Cecil "Skelly" Spence (1952–2022)—all contracted childhood polio, which profoundly shaped their lives and music. The trio first met as children at the Mona Rehabilitation Clinic in Jamaica. Early History Wiss Bulgin worked as a tailor before joining the group. Apple Gabriel Craig attended the Alpha Boys School but ran away at fourteen, living on the streets. Skelly Spence played with the band Hot Lickers on Jamaican television at age twelve and was a member of the Jamaican wheelchair basketball team before leaving due to adopting the Rastafarian faith—a shared belief among the trio. The group initially called themselves Israel Vibration Israel Vibrates, later shortened to Israel Vibration, and survived by singing in the streets. Recording Career Their first attempt at recording, “Bad Intention” at Channel One Studios in 1975, was unreleased. Their debut single, “Why Worry” (1976), was funded by the Twelve Tribes of Israel, after a member overheard them singing outdoors. The single’s success led to supporting acts for Dennis Brown, Inner Circle, and Bob Marley. Working with producer Tommy Cowan, they released “The Same Song” (1977) and the album of the same name in 1978, backed by members of Inner Circle. Its success led to a deal with EMI’s Harvest label, which reissued the album in the UK and released their second album, Unconquered People (1980). Their third album, Why You So Craven, was left incomplete due to disagreements with producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes, with The Tamlins finishing the project. Relocation and RAS Records Era In 1982, the group relocated to New York for health care and to escape Jamaica’s dancehall shift. Struggling individually, they eventually reformed by 1987. Signing…
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