Barry Brown (singer)

Barry Brown (c. 1962, Jamaica — 29 May 2004) was a Jamaican reggae singer, initially coming to prominence in the 1970s with his work with Bunny Lee, but remaining popular throughout his career.

For the Canadian country music singer-songwriter, see Barry Brown (Canadian musician).

Barry Brown
Birth nameBarrington Michael Brown
Bornc.1962
Jamaica
OriginKingston, Jamaica
Died29 May 2004
GenresReggae
Years activeMid-1970s–2004

Biography

Barry Brown was one of a number of singers to find success in the 1970s under record producer Bunny Lee. After forming a short-lived group called The Aliens with Rod Taylor and Johnny Lee,[1] Brown went solo. Although his first release, "Girl You're Always on My Mind", had little impact, his vocal style soon found popularity, with his first hit single coming with 1979's "Step It Up Youthman", which led to an album of the same name on Paradise Records.[2] One of the most successful artists of the early dancehall era, Brown worked with some of Jamaica's top producers of the time, including Linval Thompson, Winston "Niney The Observer" Holness, Sugar Minott and Coxsone Dodd, as well as releasing self-produced material.[2] He recorded for Studio One in 1983, including Far East.[2] After releasing eleven albums between 1979 and 1984, Brown's releases became more sporadic, although his work continued to feature prominently on sound systems such as those of Jah Shaka.

In the 1990s, Brown's health deteriorated, suffering with asthma and substance abuse problems, and he died in May 2004 in Sone Waves recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica, after falling and hitting his head.[3]

Discography
  • Stand Firm (1978), Justice
  • Step It Up Youthman (1979), Paradise
  • Cool Pon Your Corner (1979), Trojan
  • Superstar (1979), Striker Lee/Jackpot
  • I'm Not So Lucky (1980), Black Roots
  • Prince Jammy Presents Barry Brown Showcase (1980), Jammy's/Micron
  • Showcase (1980), Third World
  • Artist of the 80's (1980), TR International
  • Vibes of Barry Brown (1981), Gorgon
  • Far East (1982), Channel One
  • Barry (1982), Vista Sounds – reissued as The Best of Barry Brown (1995), JA Classics
  • I'm Still Waiting (1983), Rocktone Records
  • Showdown Vol 1 (1984), Empire/Hitbound – with Little John
  • Roots & Culture (1984), Uptempo – with Willi Williams
  • Right Now (1984), Time
  • More Vibes Of Barry Brown Along With Stama Rank (1986), King Culture – with Stama Rank
  • Same Sound (1990)
  • Reggae Heights (2003), Mafia & Fluxy
Compilations
  • The Best Of Barry Brown (1984), Culture Press
  • Barry Brown, Thompson Sound
  • Mr Moneyman (1991), Lagoon
  • Barry Brown & Johnny Clarke Sings Roots & Culture (1992), Fatman – with Johnny Clarke
  • Love & Protection (1998), Prestige
  • Showcase : Midnight Rock at Channel One (1999), Abraham
  • Barry Brown Meets Cornell Campbell (2000), Culture Press
  • Platinum – the Greatest Hits (2001)
  • Roots And Culture (2002), Studio One
  • Roots Ina Greenwich Farm (2002), Cactus – with Johnny Clarke
  • Steppin Up Dub Wise (2003), Jamaican Recordings
  • Rich Man Poor Man (2003), Moll Selekta
  • At King Tubbys Studio (2007), Attack
  • Barry Brown in Dub (2010), Black Arrow
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References
  1. Liner notes to Rod Taylor's Shining Bright album
  2. Larkin, Colin (1998) The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae, Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, p. 40
  3. "Singer Barry Brown is dead". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
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