Country: Jamaica
Justin Hinds (c. 1943–2005) was a Jamaican ska and rocksteady singer, best known for his work with Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label and for pioneering vocal styles that influenced roots reggae. Early Life and Career Born in Steertown, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Began singing in bars and on the beach in Ocho Rios before moving to Kingston. Influenced by Rastafari, which shaped much of his musical outlook. Initially turned down by Coxsone Dodd, but later signed with Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle Records. His backing vocalists, The Dominoes, included Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon. Work with Duke Reid First hit: "Carry Go Bring Come" (1963), recorded in one take, topped the Jamaican charts for two months. The song was later covered by The Selecter (1980) and Desmond Dekker & The Specials. Other notable Treasure Isle hits: "King Samuel" "Jump Out of the Frying Pan" "The Ark" "Rub Up Push Up" Helped transition Jamaican music into rocksteady in the mid-1960s, producing hits like: "The Higher the Monkey Climbs" "No Good Rudie" "On a Saturday Night" "Here I Stand" "Save a Bread" Justin Hinds influenced his younger cousin, Horace Andy, a notable roots reggae and trip-hop musician. Later Career Worked with Jack Ruby, releasing the 1976 album Jezebel, praised for its "homey lyrics and artful instrumental touches." Collaborated with producer Sonia Pottinger in the late 1970s, producing singles such as: "Rig-Ma-Roe Game" "Wipe Your Weeping Eyes" (inspired by the Book of Proverbs and Psalm 121) Later albums included: Travel with Love (1984, Tuff Gong Studios) Know Jah Better (1992, final studio album) Contributed to Wingless Angels, produced by Keith Richards, and later posthumously released Wingless Angels II (2010) featuring Nyabinghi rhythms and Richards’ guitar work. First U.S. tour took place in 1997, and live albums followed in the early 2000s. Death Justin Hinds…
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