The Genesis
Don Carlos (born Euvin Spencer)
Legendary Reggae Artist was born and raised in one of the most deprived
regions of Western Kingston, Jamaica, in a district notoriously known
as Waterhouse, which incidentally is also a musical spawning ground for
many of Reggae’s greatest ever talents, such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru,
The Jays, Junior Reid and King Jammy, to name but a few. Don Carlos
started his singing career in 1973 as one of the original members of
Black Uhuru, alongside other founding members, Garth Dennis who later
went on to joining the Wailing Souls, and Derrick Ducky Simpson.
As
part of the Trio, Don sang lead on the highly acclaimed Love Crisis
album, for producer Prince Jammy in 1977. This album was later
re-released and re-titled as Black Sounds of Freedom. A year after the
trio’s groundbreaking debut, Don Carlos decided to leave Black Uhuru in
pursuit of a solo career. Within three years as a solo artist,
developing his song writing and grooming his distinctive vocal style, in
May 1981 Suffering was released. This strong release took the
fraternity by storm, courtesy of a heavy roots and culture flavored
showcase for the Negus Roots label. This album was a massive hit in
Africa, selling unprecedented units. Unfortunately, the album was
bootlegged, and Don never received proper royalties.
Dub Dub Dub…
At
this time he worked alongside Goldie, his sidekick, co writer, and back
up vocalist. Together they built a staunch following through touring
the live circuit and releasing consistant albums including Harvest Time,
Day to Day Living, Them Never Know A Natty Dread Have Credentials, all
three issued in 1982, Spread Out 1982 also otherwise known as Laser Beam
to which the majority of tracks in this set have been culled, Never Run
Away 1984, Just a Passing Glance 1985 and more recently Seven Days a
Week. Don‘s partner, Gold was tragically shot and crippled, putting him
out of the music business.
During the 80’s
During
the eighties dance hall mania, Don had five top ten hits between 1982 —
1985- Late Night Blues, Nice Time Tonight, Dice Cup, Hog & Goat,
I’m Not Getting Crazy and Spread Out. Don is still churning out solid,
melodic roots reggae. Other titles in his rich catalog include Roots and
Culture, Raving Tonight, Pure Gold, Spread Out, Plantation, Never Run
Away, Slow Down Vol. 3, Rasta Brothers, Prophecy, Firehouse Clash,
Deeply Concerned, Ease Up, Lazer Beam, Ras Portraits, Groove with Me,
Head to Head, Jah Light, Live in San Francisco (2002), and Special
Edition.
There’s an old saying in the
music industry that claims: What goes around, comes back around. In
Dons‘ case, a request for reinstatement to his former role as lead
vocalist for a rejuvenated Black Uhuru reunion resulted in another
strong Black Uhuru album – Now. 1990 marked the reunion of the original
vocal trio with Don, Garth and Duckie. After six years- 1989-1994- and
four albums, singing lead for Black Uhuru in the studio, and on the
road, Don again went back to his solo career. His other album releases
with Black Uhuru include Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. All of
these four albums are classics with Don up front on lead vocals.
Don Today
After
the Black Uhuru stretch, Don joined forces with the California based
Reggae Angels, who backed him for four years and subsequently evolved
into his own band called Dub Vision. He also has been working as a
special guest with Slightly Stoopid for many years doing a number of the
songs and appearances with them through the years. Don‘s popularity
continues to increase and grow. He is now one of the most demanded
roots reggae artists in the business and still tours today.
Taken from his official website Thank you
Visit his website here to check tour dates and concerts
(0) comment(s)