The Visionaires "Marcus Garvey" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #RootsReggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #TheVisionaires #MarcusGarvey #1982 #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: The Visionaires – Marcus Garvey (1982)


Yesterday (August 17) was celebrated as the birthday of the late Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. The Pan-Africanist was Jamaica’s first National Hero, and inspired many Civil Rights Activists, Rastafarians, The Nation Of Islam, and Black Power Movements. His teachings and influence continues to connect with many generations, but on “Oldies Sunday“, we look back at one of his tributes. Today’s selection comes from the Roots Reggae Band, The Visionaires and their track, “Marcus Garvey“.

Produced by Austin Hutson and released through the Orthodox Label in 1982, The Visonaires shared the importance of the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey in “Marcus Garvey”. The track champions for the philosophical works of Garvey to be taught in the schools, and encourage more people to learn about him and become more conscious of themselves. The band also speaks on Garvey’s prophecies that have come to pass, and call out those who try to eradicate his name and works from the public. “Marcus Garvey” was featured on the band’s only album, “To Have A Home“, which was featured in 1982, and gained popularity locally and Internationally. Not much information is out there about The Visionaires, but the band consisted of Audley Watson, Basil Gayle, and Winston Dudney. “Marcus Garvey” is still played today, especially during Marcus Garvey celebrations.

Thank You The Visionaires For This Classic!

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Bad Brains "Leaving Babylon" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #WashingtonDC #NewYork #Jamaica #PunkRock #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #BadBrains #1982 #ROIR #ReachOutInternationalRecords #RockBand #Band #HardcorePunk #Oldies #OldiesSunday #OldSchool #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: @BadBrainsBand – Leaving Babylon (1982)


It’s Oldies Sunday, and today we’re going to do something different. While this section has been home to many Artists who hail from the Caribbean, what about those who have been influenced by the Caribbean? For today’s selection, we check out US band Bad Brains, and their track, “Leaving Babylon“.

“Leaving Babylon” was produced by Jay Dublee, and performed by original Bad Brains band members H.R., Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer, and Earl Hudson. It was released through the ROIR (Reach Out International Records) label in 1982. Though Bad Brains originally started out as a Punk Rock band, they also tapped into the Reggae sound thanks to seeing Bob Marley perform live in their home base of Washington D.C., H.R.’s Jamaican background, and leaning into the Rastafarian faith and culture. “Leaving Babylon” was one of their Reggae releases, and it not only featured the Reggae sound, but shared lyrics about escaping the society that left people destitute, dealt with phony Politicians, and seeking a better place as nothing will change from where they’re coming from. It also sampled the Bass line from The Royals’ 1968 single, “Pick Up The Pieces“.

“Leaving Babylon” was featured on Bad Brains’ self-titled debut studio album, and quickly won over listeners. It was covered by the likes of Sublime, Jesse Malin, and 311. Their debut album is one of the most groundbreaking releases for the hardcore scene, with many Artists citing it as one of the greatest ever. Bad Brains is widely considered the pioneers of Hardcore Punk Rock, and along with fusing Reggae into the Rock scene, they paved the way for many bands to follow. Since the release of “Leaving Babylon”, they have released more albums, went through a number of breakups and reunions, and are still active today. Reggae Artist Jesse Royal briefly joined the band in 2015. “Leaving Babylon” is still a favourite for many listeners of Bad Brains.

Thank You Bad Brains For This Track!

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Padrino covers Gregory Isaacs' "Stranger In Town" on 13thStreetPromotions.com

Padrino Channels “The Cool Ruler” Gregory Isaacs On New Cover Single


Bahamian born Recording Artist/Producer Padrino may be a modern Artist, but he has the soul of an OG. While he grew up listening to some of the greats in R&B, Soul, Reggae, and Dancehall, he took inspiration from them to give his music a different sound and feel. An example of that was his recently released “Right Here”, which taps into US R&B group SWV’s “Right Here” from 1992. Expanding his Artistry, he looks to tap into more classics, including the likes of the late Jamaican Icon Gregory Isaacs for his latest single.

Covering Gregory Isaacs’ 1982 hit “Stranger In Town”, Padrino gives us “The 2021 Cool Ruler” as he steps out channeling the late Lovers Rock crooner. Padrino gives us his signature smooth delivery, and does justice to the classic song. Gregory Isaacs released “Stranger In Town” in 1982, and it was featured on his classic album, “Night Nurse”, which was released through Isaacs’ African Museum label along with US based Mango label, and UK based Island Records. Padrino cites Gregory Isaacs as one of his Idols growing up, and it was only right that he paid tribute to him by covering his music. In addition to the “Stranger In Town” single, a Music Video directed by Brucie Bruce and Jason Bevans has been released.

(Wanna hear some Gregory Isaacs classics? Click here.)

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Jamaica Dancehall One Two 1, 2 Sister Nancy 13thStreetPromotions 13thStreetPRomo Playlist Sampling Bam Bam 1982 Caribbean

We Look Back At Some Of The Times Sister Nancy Was Sampled In Our Latest Playlist!


Today, January 2, 2021, we celebrate the 59th birthday of the iconic Sister Nancy. An artist who broke barriers and paved the way for many female Dancehall artists, Sister Nancy is a legend through and through. In honour of her birthday, we feature her in our latest Playlist (and 1st Playlist of the year)!

Highlighting her 1982 classic, “Bam Bam, we look back at some of the times the single was sampled. From Jay Z to Amara La Negra, from Logic to Tamar Braxton, “Bam Bam” has come a long way to becoming one of the most sampled tracks in music. Take a trip down memory lane and learn something. Big up the great Sister Nancy! Want to get some backstory on “Bam Bam”? Check out this Reggaeology Podcast episode.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Ruddy Thomas – Key To The World (1982)


It’s Wedding SZN! For the month of June, Oldies Sunday will feature some love songs that can be a great addition to your Wedding Playlists, and could be the official song to dance to. Today we go back to the year 1982 with the late Ruddy Thomas’Key To The World“! Produced by Roy Forbes Allen with arrangement by FranklinBubbler Waul” and released through the Hawkeye Label, this was a cover of The Dramatics member L.J. Reynolds’ 1981 single. Here, Ruddy Thomas gives us soulful lyrics letting the lady in his life know that if he had the world, she’d never be in need, and he’ll provide in a way a man’s supposed to. This version showcased Ruddy’s vocals in a way that was sure to bring a tingle to all the ladies who heard it.

With a few hits under his belt, Ruddy Thomas lent his vocals to the likes of Peter Tosh, and was a Recording Engineer for projects by Sugar Minott, Leroy Smart, Yellowman, and Beres Hammond. Ruddy Thomas passed away in 2006 as a result of a Heart Attack during a performance in Jamaica. His music remains timeless, and still are being played all around the world.

If you’re loving the selections, don’t be afraid to let us know. Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Little Harry – Party Time (1982)


Closing off the month of May being “Child’s Month“, Oldies Sunday features a child star who made some noise in music. Heading back to the 1980s, we look at Teen Deejay Little Harry’s 1982 track, “Party Time“! This was featured on the Yellowman and Fathead’sLive At Aces: Feeding In The Dancehall” project which was produced by Lloyd Campbell. While he made his rounds in the 80s as a Teen star in the Dancehall, “Party Time” marks Little Harry’s first appearance ever on a record. With the mic in his hand, Harry commanded the crowd with this one as he fired off lyrics about being the ladies man, city life and country life, and of course showing off his skills as a formidable MC.

Born in St. Thomas, Little Harry started off his Deejay career at the age of 10. Since his debut, he has worked with the likes of King Jammy’s, King Yellowman, Billy Boyo, and Skengdon which helped his presence in Dancehall.

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