Jackie Edwards, born Wilfred Gerald Edwards in 1938 in Jamaica, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican music. His career spanned from the 1950s until his passing in 1992, during which he made significant contributions as a singer, songwriter, and producer across genres like ska, rocksteady, reggae, soul, and R&B. Spotify +7 ZIONWAKE +7 YouTube +7

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Growing up in Jamaica, Edwards was influenced by American R&B and gospel music. He began performing at the age of 14, and his talent quickly garnered attention. In 1959, he caught the eye of Chris Blackwell, who would later found Island Records. Edwards had four number-one singles in Jamaica between 1960 and 1961, all self-written ballads with Latin-influenced music. ZIONWAKE jamaicansmusic.com +1 Wikipedia +1 Wikipedia

Career Highlights

When Blackwell established Island Records in London in 1962, Edwards moved with him. He worked as a singer and songwriter for the label, recording solo and duet performances, including collaborations with Millie Small. Notably, he wrote "Keep On Running" and "Somebody Help Me," which became number-one hits in the UK for The Spencer Davis Group. Edwards continued to release albums through the mid-1980s, with much of his later work produced by Bunny Lee. He also collaborated with The Aggrovators, producing the roots sound system favorite "Invasion (Wadada)." SoundCloud +8 Wikipedia +8 jamaicansmusic.com +8

Legacy and Influence

Edwards' music remains influential, with songs like "Wadada" continuing to resonate with audiences. His contributions to Jamaican music have been recognized posthumously, including tribute albums like "Sly & Robbie Presents the Late Great Jackie Edwards, Vol. 3 & 4." YouTube +2 Spotify +2 Spotify +2 AppleMusic - Web Player

Jackie Edwards passed away on August 15, 1992, from a heart attack, but his legacy endures through his enduring music and influence on the reggae genre