For just over 3 decades, the legendary Burning Spear music has been available over radio and and on different stages around the world. He was born in Jamaica in 1948 by the name of Winston Rodney. The songs and lyrics Rodney produces are greatly influenced by activist Marcus Garvey and famous Jamaican musician Bob Marley.
Marley helped Rodney get into the reggae music industry after meeting in 1969 with Clement Dodd, and suggested to start off at Clement Dodd's studio called One Label. Rodney, along with his bass singer, auditioned for Mr. Dodd and recorded their first single called "Door Peep". For this single they were accompanied by Delroy Hinds, a tenor, turning it into a trio.
This successful and up-beat trio, went on to record several singles for One Label records and two albums before they went to work with Jack Ruby in 1975. Their first recording with Ruby was a single that gave them big success. This followed another hit single which was called "Slavery Days". With all this success, the trio worked along with The Black Disciples on their next album in 1976. "Marcus Garvey" was a hit record that gave fans everything they had anticipated.
After the release of this record, they landed a good deal with the label "Island Records" which gave them a broader release to the album. The label altered and remixed some tracks, causing fans as well as the band to be upset. By the end of 1976, Rodney decided to separate from Jack Ruby and the band members. By 1977 he self-produced the album "Dry and Heavy", still with Island Records.
In the year of 1977, Rodney produced the album "Dry and Heavy" with Island records. It was in that same year that he performed in London with Aswad as a back-band in the Rainbow Theater. Once again this show was sold out and a great success with fans. The show was recorded and sold as a live record. His next album in 78' was called "Social Living" and had the participation of Sly Dunbar and Rico Rodriguez.
In 1980 Rodney decided to leave Island record in order to start Spear Label, which he signed to EMI. The first record made was called "Hail H. I. M.", which was recorded at the Tuff Gong studio owned by Marley. Heartbeat Records started to work with Rodney in 1982, producing a number of albums. It was in 1985 that he received his first Grammy nomination for the album "Resistance". Rodney then went back to work with Island Records in the beginning of the 90's. He made two more records before going back to Heartbeat.
In the middle of the 1990's, Rodney made Burning Music, his production company, where he handled his very own bookings. He has lived in Queens, New York, USA since then. In 2002 his wife and him restarted their Burning Spear Records.
In 2000 Rodney got his first Grammy Award thanks to the album "Calling Rastafari", and another one in 2009 for his album "Jah is Real". Even today fans can still look forward to great tours and fresh, new albums. Burning Spear music is a symbol of the belief in honesty, peace and love. This is also the message that Rodney stands by in his political and religious messages.
Marley helped Rodney get into the reggae music industry after meeting in 1969 with Clement Dodd, and suggested to start off at Clement Dodd's studio called One Label. Rodney, along with his bass singer, auditioned for Mr. Dodd and recorded their first single called "Door Peep". For this single they were accompanied by Delroy Hinds, a tenor, turning it into a trio.
This successful and up-beat trio, went on to record several singles for One Label records and two albums before they went to work with Jack Ruby in 1975. Their first recording with Ruby was a single that gave them big success. This followed another hit single which was called "Slavery Days". With all this success, the trio worked along with The Black Disciples on their next album in 1976. "Marcus Garvey" was a hit record that gave fans everything they had anticipated.
After the release of this record, they landed a good deal with the label "Island Records" which gave them a broader release to the album. The label altered and remixed some tracks, causing fans as well as the band to be upset. By the end of 1976, Rodney decided to separate from Jack Ruby and the band members. By 1977 he self-produced the album "Dry and Heavy", still with Island Records.
In the year of 1977, Rodney produced the album "Dry and Heavy" with Island records. It was in that same year that he performed in London with Aswad as a back-band in the Rainbow Theater. Once again this show was sold out and a great success with fans. The show was recorded and sold as a live record. His next album in 78' was called "Social Living" and had the participation of Sly Dunbar and Rico Rodriguez.
In 1980 Rodney decided to leave Island record in order to start Spear Label, which he signed to EMI. The first record made was called "Hail H. I. M.", which was recorded at the Tuff Gong studio owned by Marley. Heartbeat Records started to work with Rodney in 1982, producing a number of albums. It was in 1985 that he received his first Grammy nomination for the album "Resistance". Rodney then went back to work with Island Records in the beginning of the 90's. He made two more records before going back to Heartbeat.
In the middle of the 1990's, Rodney made Burning Music, his production company, where he handled his very own bookings. He has lived in Queens, New York, USA since then. In 2002 his wife and him restarted their Burning Spear Records.
In 2000 Rodney got his first Grammy Award thanks to the album "Calling Rastafari", and another one in 2009 for his album "Jah is Real". Even today fans can still look forward to great tours and fresh, new albums. Burning Spear music is a symbol of the belief in honesty, peace and love. This is also the message that Rodney stands by in his political and religious messages.
About the Author:
When searching for burning spear music citizens can find favorite music selections on our website at www.burningspear.net. To get more details about this stylish music form go to the home page at http://www.burningspear.net now.
