OLDIES SUNDAY: Windel Haye – Haunted House (1979)

Every year we hear people say, “Jamaicans don’t celebrate Halloween“, yet there are Jamaicans going to costume parties and Halloween-themed events. Make up your minds. Anyway, with October 31 basically around the corner, it’s time we featured a ghostly selection on “Oldies Sunday“. Today, we feature Windel (also known as Windew) Haye, and his single, “Haunted House“.

Produced by Sir Coxsone Dodd and released through Studio One in 1979, Windel Haye stands tall on “Haunted House”. He shares that he’s ready to conquer the beast, and any evil force that wishes to step into his space. Whether day or night, he’s armed, and he’s anticipating a battle. “Haunted House” was inspired by Barnabas Collins, a TV Vampire from the 1960s series, “Dark Shadows” that gained some popularity in Jamaica. Haye’s tune is aimed at the bloodsucking character, as he details how he will eradicate him. The song gained some popularity shortly after its release, and contended with tracks like “Barnabas Collins” by Lone Ranger, which was cited to be an inspiration. It was also released in the early days of Dancehall Music, showcasing the “Toasting” style that would quickly become the wave.

Since the release of “Haunted House”, not much was heard of Windel Haye. “Haunted House” was one of two tracks released by him in 1979, but in 1980, he released “Roots & Herb Style” under the name, “Field Marshall Haye“. “Haunted House” is still mentioned by many. Happy Halloween to those who celebrate it, and those who don’t celebrate it.