Johnny Clarke, born on January 12, 1955, in Whitfield Town, Kingston, Jamaica, is a seminal figure in reggae music, particularly renowned for his influential work during the 1970s. He began his musical journey after winning a talent contest in 1971, which led to his first recording, "God Made the Sea and the Sun," with producer Clancy Eccles in 1972. Although this initial single didn't achieve significant success, Clarke's persistence paid off when he collaborated with producer Rupie Edwards, resulting in early hits like "Everyday Wondering" and "Julie" in 1973. weoutherefestival.com +7 Wikipedia +7 Wikipedia +7
Clarke's career reached new heights when he partnered with the legendary producer Bunny Lee and the studio band The Aggrovators in 1974. This collaboration produced the hit "None Shall Escape the Judgement," which became the title track of his debut album and solidified his status in the reggae scene. His unique blend of roots reggae and lovers rock, combined with his Rastafarian themes, resonated with audiences, earning him the title of Jamaica's Artist of the Year in both 1975 and 1976. Enki's Music Records +5 Wikipedia +5 tabou1.com +5 Wikipedia +2 Wikipedia +2 Wikipedia +2 Wikipedia +1 soundsystemculture.org +1
One of Clarke's notable songs from this era is "Play Fool Fe Get Wise," a track that exemplifies his ability to infuse social commentary with compelling rhythms. Produced by Bunny Lee, this song remains a classic in Clarke's repertoire. YouTube +2 YouTube +2 YouTube +2 YouTube
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Clarke continued to evolve artistically, working with various producers, including Mad Professor in the UK, and exploring different facets of reggae music. He established his own label, Hit Machine, and released albums like "Jamaica 50 Johnny Clarke Sing Then Dub Them" in 2012, commemorating Jamaica's 50th year of independence. Known for his distinctive knee-length dreadlocks, often concealed under a large hat during performances, Clarke remains an enduring and influential figure in reggae music
