Country: Jamaica
Rupie Edwards (born Rupert Lloyd Edwards, 4 July 1945) is a Jamaican reggae singer and record producer, influential in both vocal and instrumental reggae and known for pioneering the single-riddim album format. Early Life Born in Goshen, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Family moved to Kingston in 1958, where Edwards sang in talent contests, including those organized by Vere Johns. Spotted by producer S.L. Smith, recording his debut single: "Guilty Convict" b/w "Just Because" (1962), released on Hi-Lite and licensed to Blue Beat Records. Early Career Formed the group The Ambassadors in 1965 with Junior Menz (Paragons) and guitarist Eric Frater. Became The Virtues with the addition of Dobby Dobson. Recorded singles for Harry J, and Edwards produced his first self-production: "Burning Love" credited to Rupie Edwards and The Virtues. The Virtues disbanded in 1968, after which Edwards focused on producing but continued releasing solo records. Producing Career By the early 1970s, Edwards had produced or recorded artists including: The Heptones, The Mighty Diamonds, Bob Andy, Johnny Clarke, Joe Higgs, Gregory Isaacs ("Lonely Man"), The Ethiopians Produced DJs such as U-Roy, Dennis Alcapone, and I-Roy. Formed a studio band, The Rupie Edwards All Stars, featuring: Tommy McCook (saxophone), Vin Gordon (trombone), Carlton ‘Santa’ Davis (drums), Hux Brown (guitar), Gladstone Anderson (piano), Clifton ‘Jackie’ Jackson (bass), Winston Wright (organ). Ran his own record labels Success and Opportunity, and released through Trojan Records sub-labels Big Records and Cactus. Notable Achievements 1974: Released Yamaha Skank, an album entirely based on the “My Conversation” riddim by The Uniques — considered the first single-riddim album. UK Chart Success: "Ire Feelings" and "Leggo Skanga" (1974–1975), both based on the riddim from Johnny Clarke's "Everyday Wondering". Ire Feelings album released in 1975; Ire Feelings – Chapter and Version reissued by Trojan in 1990. Later Career Moved to London…
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