Johnny Clarke (born 12 January 1955) is a Jamaican reggae musician, best known for his recordings with producer Bunny Lee in the 1970s.

Biography

Clarke grew up in the Kingston ghetto of Whitfield Town and attended Jamaica College. In 1971 he won a talent contest in Bull Bay, his prize a meeting with producer Clancy Eccles, with whom he recorded his first song, "God Made the Sea and the Sun", the following year. The single didn't sell well, and disappointed with the lack of promotion from Eccles, he moved on to Rupie Edwards, who produced Clarke's first hits in 1973, with "Everyday Wondering" and "Julie". and became the title track on Clarke's debut album.

Clarke was named Artist of the Year in Jamaica in both 1975 and 1976,

Studio albums

  • None Shall Escape (1974) Total Sounds
  • Moving Out (1975) Total Sounds
  • Enter Into His Gates With Praise (1975)
  • Sings In Fine Style (1975)
  • I'm Gonna Put It On (1975) Vulcan
  • No Woman No Cry (1976) Total Sounds
  • Authorised Version (1976) Frontline
  • Rocker's Time Now (1976) Frontline
  • Don't Stay Out Late (1976) Paradise
  • Up Park Camp (1977) Justice
  • Girl I Love You (1977) Justice
  • Sweet Conversation (1978) Third World
  • King of the Arena (1978) Third World
  • Satisfaction (1979) Third World
  • Down In a Babylon (1980) Cha Cha
  • I Man Come Again (1982) Black Music
  • Yard Style (1983) Ariwa
  • Reggae Party (1984)
  • Sly & Robbie Present the Best of Johnny Clarke (1985) Vista Sounds
  • Give Thanks (1985) Ariwa
  • Enter into His Gates with praise (1989) Attack
  • Rasta Nuh Fear (1992) Sonic Sounds
  • Don't trouble trouble (1994) Attack
  • Rock With Me (1997)
  • Reggae Heights (2003) Mafia & Fluxy
  • Jamaica 50 Johnny Clarke Sing Then Dub Them (2012), Hit Machine

References

  • Johnny Clarke at Roots Archives
  • Interview by Jah Rebel
  • Interview by Jah Rebel