VIA PRESS RELEASE | Trojan Records release the final set of releases from their new The Essential Artist Collection—a brand new series of artist-focused compilation albums showcasing some of the very best talent from the label’s esteemed roster, in Desmond Dekker and Marcia Griffiths. Championing their stellar catalogues, the series highlights the most important ska and reggae tracks from the most influential artists and vocal/instrumental groups with each title available in double colour vinyl, double CD, and digital formats.
Before Bob Marley’s rise to pre-eminence, the title of the world’s leading reggae performer rested firmly with another young singer from Kingston: Jamaica’s Desmond Dekker. Between 1967 and 1970, Desmond enjoyed a succession of international hit singles, breaking new ground with singles such as “007,” the first Jamaican-produced single to break into the UK top twenty, and “Israelites,” the first reggae single to reach the Number One spot in Britain and to breach the US chart.
Further triumphs followed thereafter, with major chart hits including “It Mek,” “Pickney Gal,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Sing A Little Song,” all of which cemented his place in history as Jamaica’s first global superstar. This Essential Artist Collection set pays due respect to the original King of Reggae and superbly demonstrates the immense talent that set Desmond Dekker apart from his peers during the Golden Age of Jamaican music.
Arguably the greatest female singer in the history of Jamaican music, Marcia Griffiths first made her mark on the Jamaican music scene with a number of popular singles during the late Sixties, before finding international fame in 1970 alongside her long-term friend and sometime collaborator, Bob Andy.
Bob & Marcia’s uplifting reggae version of Nina Simone’s inspiring song “(To Be) Young, Gifted & Black” hit number 5 in the UK pop chart, with the single proving to be the first of two British chartbusters, with their exuberant interpretation of “Pied Piper” just missing out on a Top 10 placing the following year. Soon after, Marcia became a member of Bob Marley’s famed backing group, the I-Threes, while also continuing to enjoy solo success with numerous Jamaican hits for a variety of record producers throughout the remainder of the Seventies and well beyond.
These new Essential Artist Collections follow recent releases from icons The Skatalites, The Maytals, John Holt, and Ken Boothe, featuring only the best hits from their esteemed, much loved catalogues.
About Trojan Records | Taking its name from the flatbed truck that revered producer Duke Reid used to transport his sound system around Jamaica, Trojan Records was instrumental in introducing the sound of the island to the world at large. The iconic record label, established in 1968, has continually drawn upon its legendary catalogue to showcase the very best Jamaican music, bringing the likes of Lee “Scratch” Perry, Desmond Dekker, Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Toots & The Maytals, and Jimmy Cliff to a mainstream audience.
Within its vaults lie many of the greatest and most popular Jamaican records of all time from ska and rock steady to roots and dub, comprising scores of major hits that have significantly influenced the sound of popular music and culture. Trojan Records changed the British musical and cultural landscape, bringing a new sound and ethos to the world. Now part of the BMG family, the label continues to grow from strength to strength, building upon its profound legacy.
