OLDIES SUNDAY: Lady Ann – Informer (1981)

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we take the time out to feature Women who have made great contributions to our music culture. While we celebrate the Women all year over here, we recognize some through our Oldies Sunday section. Today’s selection comes from foundation Dancehall Artist Lady Ann a.k.a. the 1st Lady of Dancehall with the track, “Informer“.

Produced by Joe Gibbs and released through the Crazy Joe Label in 1981, Lady Ann calls out the many informants in her community as she is developing a relationship with her lover. She shares that while she gets closer to her man, there are those who are jealous of her relationship, and seek to let her father know of her dealings so that he can put a stop to it. Lady Ann’s “Informer” became a hit in no time, propelling her to become the first female Dancehall Artist to score a number one single. “Informer” was featured on Lady Ann’s sophomore album of the same name, and she became the first female Dancehall Artist to score a #1 single and album. The success from “Informer” gave Lady Ann an opportunity to tour throughout the US and Canada, in 1983 when she was the first female Deejay to earn the award for “DJ Of The Year“. “Informer” is nowadays recognized as Lady Ann’s biggest hit. There have been many female Dancehall Artists who have done historic things in their careers, but Lady Ann is a member of the first female Deejays to pave the way.