Welton Irie

Welton Irie (born Welton Dobson in 1961, Jamaica) is a Jamaican reggae deejay best known for his work in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Early Career Welton Irie began performing simply as Welton on the Sir John the President and Big John's Stereophonic Sound sound systems in 1976 (the latter later renamed Echo Tone Hi Fi). He was heavily influenced by Ranking Trevor and gained a following that allowed him to mentor younger artists, such as General Echo. He later joined the Gemini and Virgo sound systems, forming a recording duo with Lone Ranger for Studio One, producing tracks like “Chase Them Crazy”. On recommendation from Coxsone Dodd, Studio One boss, he extended his stage name to Welton Irie. Solo Success After parting ways with Lone Ranger, Welton Irie launched a solo career, producing hits such as: “The Bomb” “Army Life” “Ballerina” (a Jamaican No. 1, recorded with Sly & Robbie) “Lambs Bread International” His debut album, Ghettoman Corner, was recorded for producer Glen Brown and featured rhythms from Sylford Walker’s Lamb’s Bread album. In 2000, Blood & Fire re-released Walker’s album including six of Irie’s deejay versions as Lamb’s Bread International. Later Career In the early 1980s, he worked with Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano sound system, and in 1983 returned to Gemini, touring internationally with Johnny Ringo and Squiddly Ranking. With reggae evolving in the mid-1980s, Welton Irie stopped deejaying and worked as a selector for Gemini. He revived his career in the mid-2000s, returning to live performance. Welton Irie is remembered for his energetic deejay style and contributions to roots reggae and early dancehall, influencing the next generation of Jamaican artists.