Month: February 2018

Karen Smith, Jamaica, Songbird, Reggae, Jazz, Music, Blog, 13thStreetPromotions, Courtni, Wide Awake In A Dream, Jerry Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Wallace Wilson, Caribbean, Oldies, Old School, Oldies Sunday, 1986, Throwback

OLDIES SUNDAY: Karen Smith – Wide Awake In A Dream (1986)

Posted on by swadedavillain

This Oldies Sunday selection is for the lovers, and it comes from the “Songbird from Jamaica“, Karen Smith! Today we go back to the year 1986 with “Wide Awake In A Dream“. Produced by Clifton “Jackie” Jackson, this was a cover of a single that has been sung by the likes of Barry Biggs, The Blues Busters, Jerry Jackson, Lyn Collins, Vickie Anderson, and Ken Boothe. Once she stepped into recording mode, Smith added her own flair to the track as she expresses how she feels about the love of her life. A video was also shot for this single, and it was directed by Alfonso Walker (I remember seeing this video a lot growing up on local TV).

Hear the classic here

Jamaica, Reggae, Music, Roots Reggae, Burning Spear, Recall Some Great Men, Great Men, Burning Music, Mek We Dweet, Mango Records, Paul Bogle, Nelson Mandela, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Black History, Black History Month, Black Power, Civil Rights, Caribbean, Entertainment, Throwback,

Black Superheroes: We Look Back At Burning Spear’s “Great Men”

Posted on by swadedavillain

It’s February 1st, which means we’ve made it to another Black History Month. It is also the start of Reggae Month in Jamaica, and various parts of the world. While we look back at those who fought for the freedom of Black People, and celebrate those who continue the fight, we also look back at those who changed the game with their sound. Today we go back to 1990 with Reggae Icon Burning Spear and his tribute to the Black Superheroes, “Great Men (a.k.a. “Recall Some Great Men)“. Produced by Burning Spear and Nelson Miller, this was released through Mango Records, and featured on Spear’s 1990 Grammy nominated Album “Mek We Dweet“. In the song, Burning Spear roll calls some of the heroes who have contributed to the freedom of Black People worldwide. He starts off with the chorus, “Let’s recall some great men, who been fighting for our rights…“, and mentions the likes of Paul Bogle, Nelson Mandela, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.

As we celebrate the month and those before us, let us also recognize those who are making strides and steadily making an impact in the world. Thanks for checking out the Blog, be sure to share with a friend, and follow us on Instagram! Hear the song below.

Hear this classic here