“To stand on stage next to Derrick and sing these duets, I cry every time because it’s really a gift.” “It means a lot to be able to represent those females,” she says. Queen P, often sings the parts of Morgan’s duet partners. These guys got us our start, we were inspired by them and covered their songs when we first started, and then now we’ve got a chance to back up quite a bit of them.” Ocean 11 singer Persephone Laird, a.k.a. Adds 45s guitarist Joe Nieves, “We’re a part of this tradition. “Derrick’s work in the earliest part of Jamaica’s independence and beyond have informed band on styles of playing,” says Steady 45s trumpet player Alfredo Barrios. It’s also a showcase of Jamaica’s freedom sounds, which have impacted cultures thousands of miles away from Kingston. The lineup, which features the Steady 45s backing Morgan and the reunion of ‘90s ska band Ocean 11, is a multi-generational look at Southern California reggae (with a little help from the Capsouls, like minds from Bakersfield). 20 in honor of the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence. Morgan will hit the stage in Los Angeles at the El Rey Theatre on Aug. Morgan has performed his songs around the world, backed by young reggae musicians, who draw significant inspiration from the singer. “Seven Letters,” recorded for famed producer Bunny Lee in 1969, is often cited as one of the earliest examples of reggae. Many of Morgan’s own songs, such as “Conquering Ruler” and “Moon Hop,” have become anthemic, empowered singalongs for legions of international reggae lovers. (where he lived until the early ‘80s), Morgan produced dozens of rocksteady and reggae tunes, including early tracks from Garnett Silk and Tony Rebel. Among his hits for Kong was “Housewives Choice,” a bouncy ska duet with frequent collaborator Millicent “Patsy” Todd.įrom his home in the U.K. While many of Morgan’s early songs were boogie-shuffles, by 1960 he was undeniably leading the ska charge with his songs occupying the top seven spots on Jamaican pop charts simultaneously. As opportunity knocked, Morgan would record for Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s rival soundsystem and later went down Orange Street in Kingston to producer Leslie Kong’s Beverley’s label. Influenced by the sounds of James Brown, Smiley Lewis and Professor Longhair coming through his radio from stations in Miami, Morgan recorded his first songs in 1959 for legendary producer Duke Reid. Morgan’s casual attitude belies his important, and lengthy, musical history. “All of them give me good applause and so on.” They always come out to my show and they like me!” Morgan, 82, says of his international fanbase from his home in Jamaica. His personality - described as jovial, funny and straight-shooting - combined with pristine, soulful vocals have made him a fan favorite for generations. Singing braggadocious tunes and loving duets for more than 60 years, Morgan has cemented his title of the King of Ska. Derrick Morgan is a legend - a rougher than rough, tougher than tough, onetime rude boy who helped shape the sound of ska in the 1960s.
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