How much Tenor Saw can King Jammy play? Check out this link for an interesting interview with Robbo Ranx for revelations about Tenor Saw and King Jammy.
For this cold, cold month of January we feature a selection of King Jammy's news and events from 2009, some exclusive Ruben Da Silva dub plates and more updated artist bios including Al Campbell, Don Angelo and Shabba Ranks.
Wishing all you readers and contributors much health, strength and prosperity for 2010!
bless, computerized
November 2009 - Echo Minott asks the Gleaner 'What the Hell?'
1986 saw the release of Echo Minott's tune 'What The Hell The Police Can Do', based on an incident of domestic abuse. Produced by King Jammy, the song was soon at the top of the reggae charts but later banned from the airwaves of JBC! more>>>
04 October 2009 - Major Mackerel attacked with Samurai sword!
Garfield Dixon, best known as Major Mackrerel was attacked in Brooklyn by a jealous husband wielding a two-foot samurai sword! Oscar Joseph, 37 had made claims that Mackerel, whose recordings for King Jammy include 'Pretty Looks Done' and 'Ni Ni Ni', had been flirting with his wife. Having returned from a visit to a store, the artist was ambushed by Joseph and suffered cuts to the head and hand during a scuffle. Returning from hospital, the Major was all smiles stating "It's a Jamaican thing!". more>>>
01 September 2009 - Steely passes away
On 1st September 2009, Wycliffe Johnson, better known as Steely of the legendary production duo Steely & Clevie passed away aged 47 at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in East Patchogue, New York. In December 2008, he had been diagnosed with kidney failure and a blood clot in his brain. Following a recent bout of pneumonia, he died from a heart attack.
A self-taught musician who first played keyboards for Sugar Minott's Youthman Promotion in the 1970's later to play alongside Clevie at Lee Perry's Black Ark studio. The pairing of Steely & Clevie at King Jammy's during the mid 1980's was the beginning of an elevation of the dancehall sound. Later releasing material on their own label, the dynamic production duo, who have worked with many of the biggest recording artists in the world, had major success with their own production of the Studio One classic 'No No No' by Dawn Penn. Rest in peace, Steely, we salute you!
9 August 2009 - 22nd Anniversary of Major Worries' killing
Wayne Jones, best known as Major Worries was shot and killed by a policeman in Spanish Town under questionable circumstances on this day in 1987 aged just 21 years old. The Major was one of the fastest rising deejays on King Jammys sound system along with Admiral Bailey and Little Twitch.
1/2 August 2009 - Sardinia Reggae Festival
King Jammy's featuring Lecturer, and Robert Lee alongside Daddy Freddy, Aba Shanty I, Kenny Knots, Jah Station and many more at the Sardinia Reggae Festival 2009. more>>>
31 July 2009 - Brixton Town Hall, London, UK
Old Time Something Come Back Again with King Jammy's Superpower playing on Nasty Love's set at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton 31st July 2009 featuring Lecturer, Admiral Bailey, Robert Lee and special guest Colourman. more>>>
June 2009 - Story Of The Song: Tempo (Sunday Gleaner interview with Anthony Redrose)
Under Me Sleng Teng has been credited as the song that started the digital era of dancehall but Anthony Redrose makes the claim that his sound system burial tune 'Tempo' produced by King Tubby's came out before Wayne Smith's monumental dancehall anthem. Along with Tony Asher on keyboards and King Everald on background vocals, Redrose claims that "We was the first man sing on a computerise beat. The same man who play Sleng Teng make it! It was like him have one of the Fruit of the Loop box...". more>>>
05 May 2009 - JARIA board of directors nominees selected
Celebrated members of Jamaica's music industry, including King Jammys, Tony Rebel, Assassin, Queen Ifrica and Freddie McGregor were nominated onto the board of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA). JARIA made its formal entry on the music scene with the prestigious Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Honours Awards which closed Reggae Month 2009 at the Hilton Kingston hotel.
10 April 2009 - Battle of the Legends @ Amazura
Four legends in Jamaica's sound system industry faced off on Good Friday 2009 at an Irish & Chin event dubbed "Battle of the Legends" featuring David Rodigan, King Jammy's, Black Scorpio and Down Beat at the Amazura night club in New York.
more>>>
March 2009 - Risto Benjie Arrested & Charged With Robbery
Michael Benjamin, best known as Risto Benjie, who burst out of the Jammys camp during the mid 1980s was arrested and charged with robbery with aggravation. Being held at the Spanish Town police station without bail, it was alleged that Benjie had offered a lift to a female, for a price, on his motorbike but instead of taking her to her destination, diverted from the route, pulled a knife and demanded her handbag. She refused but it is claimed that Benjie grabbed her mobile phone and left the scene. Police were called and the artist was promptly arrested, later being bailed for J$40,000. more>>>
24 February 2009 - Knutsford Live Concert
As part of the 2009 Reggae Month celebrations, Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston was the place for the Knutsford Live concert and street dance featuring various sound systems including King Jammys, Renaissance, Stone Love and Body Guard. Performers and also artists like Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Munga, Little Hero, Bugle, Alaine, Chino, Merciless, Shane-O, Nickeishia Barnes and Romaine Virgo.
more>>>
On 1st September 2009, Wycliffe Johnson, better known as Steely of the legendary production duo Steely & Clevie passed away aged 47 at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in East Patchogue, New York. In December 2008, he had been diagnosed with kidney failure and a blood clot in his brain. Following a recent bout of pneumonia, he died from a heart attack.
Wayne Jones, best known as Major Worries was shot and killed by a policeman in Spanish Town under questionable circumstances on this day in 1987 aged just 21 years old. The Major was one of the fastest rising deejays on King Jammys sound system along with Admiral Bailey and Little Twitch.
Celebrated members of Jamaica's music industry, including King Jammys, Tony Rebel, Assassin, Queen Ifrica and Freddie McGregor were nominated onto the board of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA). JARIA made its formal entry on the music scene with the prestigious Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Honours Awards which closed Reggae Month 2009 at the Hilton Kingston hotel. 
Four legends in Jamaica's sound system industry faced off on Good Friday 2009 at an Irish & Chin event dubbed "Battle of the Legends" featuring David Rodigan, King Jammy's, Black Scorpio and Down Beat at the Amazura night club in New York.
As part of the 2009 Reggae Month celebrations, Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston was the place for the Knutsford Live concert and street dance featuring various sound systems including King Jammys, Renaissance, Stone Love and Body Guard. Performers and also artists like Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Munga, Little Hero, Bugle, Alaine, Chino, Merciless, Shane-O, Nickeishia Barnes and Romaine Virgo.
