Johnny Clarke, born on January 12, 1955, in Whitfield Town, Kingston, Jamaica, is a seminal figure in reggae music, renowned for his contributions to the roots reggae movement of the 1970s. He began his musical journey in 1971 after winning a talent contest in Bull Bay, leading to his first recording, "God Made the Sea and the Sun," with producer Clancy Eccles. Although this initial effort saw limited success, Clarke's persistence led him to work with Rupie Edwards, producing early hits like "Everyday Wondering" and "Julie" in 1973. AllMusic +4 Wikipedia +4 Wikipedia +4 Wikipedia +2 TABOU1 +2 Wikipedia +2

Clarke's breakthrough came in 1974 when he collaborated with producer Bunny Lee and the Aggrovators, recording "None Shall Escape the Judgement," which became the title track of his debut album. This period marked a prolific phase in Clarke's career, with a series of hits that blended militant Rastafarian themes with soulful melodies, establishing him as a leading voice in reggae. Peel Wiki +6 Wikipedia +6 soundsystemculture.org +6 Peel Wiki

Among his notable works is the song "Legalize It," a cover of Peter Tosh's original, reflecting Clarke's advocacy for the legalization of marijuana, a common theme in Rastafarian culture. His rendition contributed to the broader discourse on cannabis legalization and showcased his ability to infuse covers with his unique style. WhoSampled

Clarke's influence extended beyond Jamaica; in 1976, he became one of the first Jamaican artists signed to Virgin Records' Frontline label, releasing albums like "Authorized Version" and "Rockers Time Now." His music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of dancehall in the 1980s and collaborating with producers like Mad Professor in London after relocating there in 1983. Peel Wiki +5 Wikipedia +5 soundsystemculture.org +5 Peel Wiki +2 soundsystemculture.org +2 Wikipedia +2

Known for his distinctive knee-length dreadlocks, often concealed under a large hat during performances, Clarke remains an active figure in reggae music, touring and recording new material. His enduring legacy is marked by his commitment to Rastafarian principles and his significant contributions to the genre's development.