Country: Jamaica
The Ethiopians Origin: Jamaica Genres: Reggae, rocksteady, ska, roots reggae Years active: Mid-1960s – 2011 Labels: Sir JJ, Trojan Records, Heartbeat Records Past members: Leonard Dillon, Stephen Taylor, Aston Morrison, Melvin Reid The Ethiopians were one of Jamaica’s most beloved harmony groups, achieving major success during the late ska, rocksteady, and early reggae periods. They were also among the first Jamaican acts to tour widely in Britain. Origins Founded by Leonard Dillon (1942–2011) with Stephen “Tough Cock” Taylor and Aston “Charlie” Morrison. Dillon grew up in Boundbrook, near Port Antonio, Jamaica, raised by his grandparents in a strict Seventh Day Adventist household; his grandfather was a choirmaster. As a teenager, Dillon performed with the local act the Playboys, later renamed Ray and the Gladiators, earning the nickname “Sparrow”. Dillon moved to Kingston, worked in Back-O-Wall, and later traveled to Fellsmere, Florida, for seasonal farm work. Returning to Kingston in 1964, Dillon settled in Trench Town, met Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, and Bunny Livingston, and recorded early solo tracks at Studio One under the name Jack Sparrow. Shortly after, Dillon embraced the Rastafari faith through the Ethiopian Reorganization Centre in Waterhouse. Founding the Group Dillon noticed harmony groups were popular in Jamaica and formed The Ethiopians with Taylor and Morrison (and briefly a youth named Foresight). Studio One founder Coxsone Dodd suggested the name “The Ethiopians.” Early tracks included “Live Good,” “Why You Gonna Leave Me Now,” and “Owe Me No Pay Me.” Morrison left the group due to family responsibilities, leaving Dillon and Taylor as a duo. Success Financial backing from Leebert Robinson led to the hit single “Train to Skaville” (1967), followed by “The Whip” and “Cool It Amigo.” These tracks became popular in Jamaica and the UK, prompting The Ethiopians’ first UK tour (1968–1969). Other notable hits included…
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