The Chosen Few

The Chosen Few are a reggae group from Kingston, Jamaica, formed in 1969, evolving from the earlier group the Federals. The original lineup included Franklin Spence and David Scott, joined by Noel “Bunny” Brown and Richard McDonald. They initially gained attention recording reggae covers of popular soul and pop songs for producer Derrick Harriott, including versions of tracks by Blue Mink and The Delfonics. Over time, the lineup changed, with Scott leaving for a solo deejay career and McDonald being replaced by Errol Brown, while Busty Brown joined from the Messengers. Working with producer Lloyd Charmers, they enjoyed several hits, including a reggae take on the Stylistics’ "People Make the World Go Round," and released the album Hit After Hit in 1973. In the mid-1970s, The Chosen Few released albums such as Everybody Plays the Fool (1975) and Night and Day (1976), the latter recorded in Miami and blending reggae and soul, featuring guest performances from KC and the Sunshine Band members. Their popularity in the 1970s allowed them to tour internationally, performing in the United States, Canada, and England, and solidifying their reputation as one of Jamaica’s prominent vocal groups of the era. In the 1980s, the group continued with members Franklin Spence and Errol Brown joined by Michael Deslandes and guitarist Emmett North Jr., who had played with Barry White and Isaac Hayes. During this period, they recorded and performed mainly around London and the UK, maintaining their presence in the reggae scene until the mid-1980s.