Roland Burrell: 'Johnny Dollar', Drifters Beach Bar, Negril, Jamaica 2020
Category: Music
Duration: 00:02:55
Description:
Duration: 00:02:55
Description:
Drifter's should bring in more 'old-time' stars way more often! I really enjoyed filming this singer…and on the same show that night was 'The Heptones' who were there for a fund-raiser for Sister Doreen. ...Roland Burrell was born in Pennants, Clarendon in Jamaica and was destined to become a star from his early days at John Austin School which set the stage for a career in the music field. Growing up in Trench Town, he met Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert who gave him inspiration and counseling as he would often ‘jam’ with them. During his growing artistic years, he sang with a group called The Shades, where he encountered Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, The Upsetter. Along with Conrad Brown, they produced “Lonely Man.” Thereafter, Roland quickly rose to popular fame when he recorded the chartbuster “Johnny Dollar,” a song that topped the Jamaican charts in Europe, USA and Japan.
He recorded his first album, “Johnny Dollar” for Tanka Records which included the hit songs “Hey Mama” and “Stormy Night.” He also recorded the Hip-Hop versions of “Stormy Night” and “Johnny Dollar” for Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Label and his recording of “Picture On The Wall” also tore up the reggae charts. Roland Burrell has also released “Roland Burrell – The Best of Roland Burrell,” Reggae Masters Series on the Prestige Recording Label. Musicians included Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Lloyd Parks, Flabba Holt, Bingi Bunny, Dean Fraser, Ansel Collins and Bongo Herman. His many hits have given him the opportunity to tour extensively and this has resulted in many sold-out performances in Toronto and throughout the Eastern Caribbean, where his music has impacted on both Caribbean nationals as well as international audiences. Roland Burrell’s last album, “Break Free,” is nothing short of a masterpiece that refutes definition—other than being the music of “Roland ‘Johnny Dollar’ Burrell.
His music echoes a call to consciousness and superb arrangements and could easily point the way to international recognition of an artiste who single handedly pointed reggae music in new and interesting directions in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Roland Burrell represents a new, clear approach to reggae music and this resilient artiste has, over the years, has demonstrated his ability to get the attention of those who have come in contact with his music. ..
He recorded his first album, “Johnny Dollar” for Tanka Records which included the hit songs “Hey Mama” and “Stormy Night.” He also recorded the Hip-Hop versions of “Stormy Night” and “Johnny Dollar” for Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Label and his recording of “Picture On The Wall” also tore up the reggae charts. Roland Burrell has also released “Roland Burrell – The Best of Roland Burrell,” Reggae Masters Series on the Prestige Recording Label. Musicians included Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Lloyd Parks, Flabba Holt, Bingi Bunny, Dean Fraser, Ansel Collins and Bongo Herman. His many hits have given him the opportunity to tour extensively and this has resulted in many sold-out performances in Toronto and throughout the Eastern Caribbean, where his music has impacted on both Caribbean nationals as well as international audiences. Roland Burrell’s last album, “Break Free,” is nothing short of a masterpiece that refutes definition—other than being the music of “Roland ‘Johnny Dollar’ Burrell.
His music echoes a call to consciousness and superb arrangements and could easily point the way to international recognition of an artiste who single handedly pointed reggae music in new and interesting directions in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Roland Burrell represents a new, clear approach to reggae music and this resilient artiste has, over the years, has demonstrated his ability to get the attention of those who have come in contact with his music. ..
