Category: Oldies Sunday

Della Manley "Ashes On The Window Sill" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #DellaManley #1998 #RayHitchins #OldiesSunday #Oldies #OldSchool #Caribbean #AshesOnTheWindowSill #USGrenadaInvasion

OLDIES SUNDAY: Della Manley – Ashes On The Windowsill (1998)

Posted on by swadedavillain

The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month”. On “Oldies Sunday”, we highlight a number of Women who have made an impact, and significant contributions to music. For today’s selection, we look back at Della Manley’s “Ashes On The Windowsill“.

Produced by Ray Hitchins and released in 1998, Della Manley spoke on the aftermath of war in, “Ashes On The Windowsill”. In 1980, Jamaica was heavy with political violence during the election season, and the events left indelible marks on the population, and in 1983 it inspired a young Manley to write her first song. The US Invasion of Grenada, and the state of the environment also inspired the haunting song’s lyrics, and it connected with the people, and peaked the interest of her late Father-In-Law, Michael Manley. Michael Manley was the former Prime Minister of Jamaica who was the Island’s 4th PM from 1972-1980, the Leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), and has experienced quite the share of political tension and conflict. The Folk single was featured on Della Manley’s debut album of the same name, and the album version was just one of a number of versions that made the final cut. It was originally named “Prophecy“, and featured production by Fab Five, Inc., and Producer Native.

Since the release of “Ashes On The Windowsill”, Della Manley went on to release more music. She secured a sizable following over the years, and performed in various parts of Jamaica, and the world. She unfortunately was a victim of a car accident in March 2025, and fundraising efforts for her were made since, including a concert called “The JAM is BACK” in Kingston. Manley’s music continues to find new listeners, including “Ashes On The Windowsill”.

 THANK YOU DELLA MANLEY FOR THIS TUNE!

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The Soulettes "King Street" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Ska #Rocksteady #Music #13thStreetPromotions #TheSoulettes #KingStreet #SirCoxsoneDodd #StudioOne #1966 #RitaMarley #constantinewalker #MarleneGifford #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Riddim #Caribbean #WomensHistoryMonth

OLDIES SUNDAY: The Soulettes – King Street (1966)

Posted on by swadedavillain

The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month”. On “Oldies Sunday”, we highlight a number of Women who have made an impact, and significant contributions to music. For today’s selection, we look back at The Soulettes and their track, “King Street“.

Produced by “Sir Coxsone” Dodd and released through Studio One in 1966, The Soulettes were here to tell you where you need to be, and that’s on “King Street”. The group, consisting of Rita Marley, Marlene Gifford and Rita’s cousin (and the only Male in the group) Singer/Musician Constantine “Vision” Walker, invite you to a place where you’re gonna have a ball dancing the night away, making memories, and being in the center of one of the busiest streets in town. No reservation needed, just come with good vibes, and nighttime relaxation. “King Street” sounded like a Commercial, but it found popularity soon after its release. “King Street” would later be featured on the “Studio One Women” compilation project in 2005.

Since the release of “King Street”, The Soulettes would have a moderately successful career, but continued to work with “Sir Coxsone” Dodd, and a number of legends including Lee “Scratch” Perry, Tony Gregory, Lloyd Wilks, and a young Bob Marley along with The Wailers. The group would disband in 1966, but reformed in 1969 until disbanding for the final time in the 1970s. Rita Marley would go on to have a successful career as a member of the I Threes, and as a solo Artist, Constantine Walker would enjoy success over the years as the original member of the The Wailers, Jah Malla, I Performers, and The Rastafarians, and Marlene Gifford would leave The Soulettes in 1969, and provide background vocals for a number of Artists over the years. The Soulettes continue to live on through the music, and listeners still take themselves to “King Street”.

THANK YOU SOULETTES FOR THIS TIMELESS TUNE!

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Grace Nelson "Namebrand" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #GraceNelson #Namebrand #1995 #TheLinxLabel #LinkUpManagementandProductions #InternationalWomensDay #WomensHistoryMonth #Riddim #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Grace Nelson – Namebrand (1995)

Posted on by swadedavillain

The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month“, and today is celebrated as “International Women’s Day“. On “Oldies Sunday“, we highlight a number of Women who have made an impact, and significant contributions to music. We also highlight the Women who may not have been the biggest stars, but were well-loved and celebrated. Today, we reflect on the late Grace Nelson, and her track, “Namebrand“.

Produced by Jane Reid for Link Up Management & Productions and released through The Linx Label in 1995, Grace Nelson pushed through to make her voice be heard in, “Namebrand”. Stepping onto the scene with confidence and the power of Jah, Grace aims to show authenticity, raw talent, and a presence that no one can contest. She is the real deal, the top Soldier, and not a flash in the pan. “Namebrand” was a local favourite for the Singer, as her name became prominent in parts of Jamaica since starting out as a teenager performing at local events, being a part of the Clarendon-based Sonic Salvation Gospel Band, and she was steadily becoming known in parts of Europe thanks to her time in the UK, and touring with the Lynx Showcase, a group that recruited various Artists to perform. She was also affiliated with Irie Hi Fi, a German-based Record Label where she voiced a number of singles. The growing popularity of “Namebrand” along with previously-released singles provided her an opportunity to join Reggae Band Black Uhuru for their European tour.

Since the release of “Namebrand”, Grace Nelson would go on to release a few more singles. Grace was on her way to becoming a bigger name locally and Internationally, but tragedy struck in 1998 when she became the victim of murder. Her case found no leads, and to this day, is still unsolved. The St. Elizabeth-born Singer was seen as a star who was gone too soon, and a number of people still remember her and play her music, including “Namebrand”.

THANK YOU GRACE NELSON FOR THIS TRACK! SLEEP WELL.

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La Lupe "Puro Teatro" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Cuba #LatinMusic #Music #13thStreetPromotions #LaLupe #PuroTeatro #LaLupeEsLaReina #1969 #TicoRecords #OldiesSunday #oldSchool #oldies #Caribbean #Cuban

OLDIES SUNDAY: La Lupe – Puro Teatro (1969)

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Welcome to the month of March, and it’s the start of “Women’s History Month“. On “Oldies Sunday“, we highlight a number of Women who have made significant contributions to music. Today, we salute the Island of Cuba, and we feature La Lupe, one of the Island’s most energetic Vocalists, and “The Queen Of Latin Soul“. We check out her track, “Puro Teatro“.

Released through Tico Records in 1969, La Lupe sings about a love that wasn’t real from the start, but she fell for the charm in, “Puro Teatro (Pure Theater)”. Known for her powerful vocals, Lupe commanded the listener’s attention immediately, as she shares her disappointment in this affair. “Puro Teatro” was featured on the 1969 album, “La Lupe Es La Reina“, and is loved by many fans worldwide. Having established her presence in Boleros, Guarachas, and Latin Soul, her live performances would at times shock viewers because her voice was so powerful, but it didn’t stop her from getting bookings, and collaborations with some of the best Musicians and Artists in her time.

Since the release of “Puro Teatro”, La Lupe went on to become a big name with a number of albums and singles to her name. Her popularity went on the decline in the late 1960s/70s due to the rise of Salsa Music, and by 1980, she would retire due to religious reasons. Life wasn’t always kind to her over time, and in 1992 she passed away at the age of 55. La Lupe continues to be inspired by a number of Artists, and lives on in music and Film.

THANK YOU LA LUPE FOR THIS TIMELESS SONG!

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Luis Dias x Sonia Silvestre "Baila En La Calle" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #DominicanRepublic #LatinMusic #Music #13thStreetPromotions #LuisDias #LuisDiaz #soniasilvestre #bailaenlacalle #1984 #SecretariaDeEstadoDeTurismo #DominicanHeritageMonth #OldiesSunday #Oldies #OldSchool #Carnaval #Caribbean #JorgeTaveras

OLDIES SUNDAY: Luis Días & Sonia Silvestre – Baila En La Calle (1984)

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The month of February is recognized as Dominican Heritage Month. The month (January 27-February 27) honors those born in the Dominican Republic, and of Dominican descent in the United States, who have contributed to the community as well as made cultural achievements. The month ends on the Country’s Independence Day celebrations. Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we recognize an Individual who made significant contributions to the musical development of the Dominican Republic. This Man is known as the “Father of Dominican Rock“, but many know him as Luis Días a.k.a. “El Terror“. Today, we check out, “Baila En La Calle (Carnaval)“.

Arranged by Jorge Taveras and featuring Sonia Silvestre, “Baila En La Calle (Dance In The Street)” was Luis Días’ way of building unity, promoting positive vibes, and enjoy good times in the Dominican Republic. Released through Secretaria De Estado de Turismo in 1984 (but premiered in 1983), Días was commissioned to compose a theme song for the 1984 staging of the Dominican Carnival. The release was a success, and it quickly gained popularity in the Country, and in the diaspora, prompting a number of covers over the years, including one made famous by fellow Dominican, Fernando Villalona. Días would receive a national award from the Government of the Dominican Republic for his composition, and it would go on to be sampled by Wyclef Jean and Shakira for their classic collaboration, “Hips Don’t Lie“.

Since the release of “Baila En La Calle”, Luis Días would go on to be a cultural figure. He composed hundreds of songs that would later on be covered by numerous Artists, he composed music for a number of Films, worked with UNICEF and various Government entities, and was considered a “National Cultural Patrimony” in his homeland before his passing in 2009. “Baila En La Calle” is still played and covered to this day. Big up the Dominican Republic!

THANK YOU LUIS DÍAS FOR THIS TIMELESS HIT!

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Norris Man "Persistence" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #13thStreetPromotions #NorrisMan #Persistence #1997 #KingOfKingsProduction #MPhaticMusic #ColinLevy #Riddim #Oldies #OldSchool #OldiesSunday #Caribbean #BlackHistoryMonth #ReggaeMonth

OLDIES SUNDAY: Norris Man – Persistence (1997)

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Reggae Music is universal. The music speaks on the hardship of Black people, the liberation of the Black people from oppression, and the consciousness of the Black Man. It’s Black History Month and Reggae Month, and on “Oldies Sunday” we celebrate Black Music. We go back to check out Norris Man’s “Persistence“.

Produced by Colin Levy for King Of Kings Production and released through M-Phatic Music in 1997, Norris Man encourages us to be more focused on the mission, uphold your morals, and to be more conscious in, “Persistence”. The song calls for people to be free from the ills of the world, and despite your troubles, never let the enemy know your most vulnerable points and times in life. “Persistence” quickly became a hit for Norris Man, and it brought his name to many parts of Jamaica, and the rest of the world. The single was featured on his 1999 debut album of the same name.

Since the release of “Persistence”, Norris Man went on to release more music over the years. He faced some backlash after a feud with Reggae Artist Sizzla, but he managed to overcome and secure a sizable fanbase from various parts of the world. He is still active, and many still play “Persistence” to this day.

Thank You Norris Man For This Classic!

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