"Sampling Leslie Kong" Playlist on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #Ska #HipHop #Dancehall #Rocksteady #EDM #Reggaeton #LatinMusic #Music #13thStreetPromotions #LeslieKong #SamplingLeslieKong #Sampling #Playlist #Spotify #Caribbean #InternationalReggaeDay #July1

We Salute Producer Leslie Kong In Our Latest Playlist


Today (July 1) is recognized as “International Reggae Day“, and we salute the pioneers, the movers and shakers, and the talent who took this genre to every part of the world, influencing generations. One of people who made Reggae an emerging force in the beginning was the late Producer Leslie Kong. Through Kong, the career of Jimmy Cliff took off, the launch of Beverley’s Records from a small Record Shop, to a Internationally known Record Label happened, Bob Marley got to record his first single, the establishment of Chris Blackwell’s Island Records and Graeme Goodall’s short-lived Pyramid label through his early investments, and taking Reggae Music to the International market. Kong also became the Island’s leading Producer having worked with everyone from Toots and The Maytals, Desmond Dekker, and many others. Today, we salute his work with our latest Playlist, “Sampling Leslie Kong“.

For over 3 1/2 hours, “Sampling Leslie Kong” highlights some of Kong’s many hits, and the songs that sampled them. From Jimmy Cliff, to Toots and The Maytals, to Bob Marley, to Desmond Dekker, to Christina Aguilera, to Foxy Brown, to Shaggy, to Vampire Weekend, to SchoolBoy Q, to FatBoySlim, the new Playlist will entertain you, and of course educate you. International Reggae Day was created by Andrea Davis, and it celebrates 30 years. IRD has a selection of events that many can participate in, and you can join in now on IReggaeDay.com. Here’s to Reggae, and here’s to Leslie Kong.

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Roland Alphonso & Beverley's All Stars "Song For My Father" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Jazz #Ska #Music #13thStreetPromotions #RolandAlphonso #SongForMyFather #HoraceSilverQuintet #1967 #FathersDay #LeslieKong #BeverleysRecords #BeverleysAllStars #Caribbean

OLDIES SUNDAY: Roland Alphonso – Song For My Father (1967)


Today (June 16) is recognized worldwide as “Father’s Day“. We appreciate the Men who understood the role they’re given, and have done their best in that department. For today’s Oldies Sunday selection, we pay tribute to them with Musician Roland Alphonso’sSong For My Father“.

Produced by Leslie Kong along with Roland Alphonso and Beverley’s All Stars and released through Beverley’s Records in 1967, “Song For My Father” was Alphonso’s Ska version of the Horace Silver Quintet’s 1965 Jazz composition. The Jamaican version gives it a different kind of life, and opened it up for a different audience to appreciate. The original version according to Horace Silver was inspired by Brazilian music from a trip there, and Cape Verdean Portuguese Folk Music that his Father listened to. The Instrumental was a tribute to his Father and his love for the music, and the Jamaican version paid tribute to Jamaican Fathers. Alphonso’s version was one of many covers made, and was well-received by listeners over the years.

Whether you’re a Father, StepFather, Uncle, Grandfather, Godfather, Papa, Papi, Pop, Dada, big up yourself on this Father’s Day. Check out our “The Fathers Of Reggae/DancehallPlaylist from a few years ago.

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Apple TV's "The Big Cigar" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Hollywood #Jamaica #Oakland #California #Drama #TV #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #JimmyCliff #WonderfulWorldBeautifulPeople #TheBigCigar #HueyPNewton #BlackPantherParty #AppleTV #1969 #Caribbean

Jimmy Cliff’s “Wonderful World” Featured In @AppleTV’s “The Big Cigar”


The Big Cigar” is one of the latest additions to the growing Apple TV streaming platform. Starring Andre Holland, Alessandro Nivola, and Tiffany Boone, the series focuses on the late Activist Huey P. Newton and his Black Panther Party in the 1970s, and his escape from a manhunt from the FBI to Cuba. The series features music from a number of stars from the 1960s and 70s, but a familiar sound from Jamaica was featured in one of the episodes.

In episode 3 of “The Big Cigar” called “Guns & Matzah“, Jamaican Icon Jimmy Cliff’sWonderful World, Beautiful People” could be heard during a scene. Produced by Leslie Kong and Cliff and released in 1969 through Trojan Records, “Wonderful World” is a vision by Cliff on what the world could be if things were done different. The song was a top ten hit for Cliff in various countries (was Trojan Records’ 1st hit), and was featured in his self-titled 1969 Reggae album (Sometimes known as “Wonderful World, Beautiful People). “Wonderful World” was sampled by Cutty Ranks, and was covered by the likes of Sasha, Chuck Bennett, OreSkaBand, and Amazulu. “The Big Cigar” is now available for viewing on Apple TV.

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"The Equalizer" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Reggae #Music #13thStreetPromotions #QueenLatifah #JimmyCliff #ManyRiversToCross #Caribbean #CBS #TheEqualizerCBS

.@JimmyCliff’s “Many Rivers To Cross” Featured In @TheEqualizerCBS Season Finale


The Equalizer” is an action TV series that focuses on Robyn McCall, who lives life as a single Mother, but has a mysterious side where she uses her extensive range of skills to help people out of various situations. The series stars Queen Latifah and Lorraine Toussaint, and is aired weekly on CBS. It’s inspired by the movie trilogy of the same name that stars Denzel Washington, and is a reboot of the 1980s TV series. This series is in its 3rd season, and during their latest episode, a familiar Reggae classic was featured.

In the season 3 finale of “The Equalizer” titled “Patriot Game“, Jimmy Cliff’sMany Rivers To Cross” closed off the episode. Co-Produced with Leslie Kong, the song was released in 1969 through Trojan Records. The ballad was written at a time Cliff was having difficulty in becoming a successful Musician in the UK, and it brought a lot of frustration within himself. The ballad was featured on his sophomore album “Jimmy Cliff” a.k.a. “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “The Harder They Come” soundtrack, and is one of Cliff’s biggest hits. “Many Rivers To Cross” was previously featured in the movie “Rush“, along with the TV shows “Daredevil“, “Wilfred“, and “Falling Skies“. The ballad was also covered by UB40, and Tessanne Chin during her time on “The Voice” in 2013.

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Desmond Dekker & The Aces - 007 (Shanty Town) on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Jamaica #Oldies #Riot

OLDIES SUNDAY: Desmond Dekker & The Aces – 007 (Shanty Town) (1967)


With talks of protests happening in Jamaica in the past couple of days, and the upcoming release of the Film, “No Time To Die“, today’s Oldies Sunday seeks to blend the two. Today’s selection comes from the great Desmond Dekker with the track, “007 (Shanty Town)“.

Produced by Leslie Kong and released through the Pyramid label in 1967, Desmond Dekker with the help of The Aces shared some of his observations during that time. The song spoke about the “rude boys” of the time who continued their life of crime as soon as they’re released from Prison. The activities of the rude boys would cause a ruckus in certain communities, and the armed forces would be called to tackle the situation. “007 (Shanty Town)” was a hit for Desmond Dekker, a first for him really. Having achieved #1 status on the local music charts, and created history as being the first Jamaican-produced song to chart in the UK Top 20 peaking at #14. The song was also popular with the “rude boys” as well. There was an original version that made no reference to “Shanty Town”, which was also produced by Leslie Kong. The track was featured on Dekker’s debut album of the same name with The Aces, and on the soundtrack for the classic Film, “The Harder They Come“. It was also rerecorded for his 1980 album, “Black and Dekker“.

“007 (Shanty Town)” was inspired by a student demonstration that turned violent against the government’s decision to erect an Industrial Complex on a plot of land close to a beach in the mid 60s. The song also made references to Ian Fleming’sJames Bond” spy movie series, and the popular 1960’s “Ocean’s 11” heist Film. After “007”, Desmond Dekker went on to make more music, and rack up more hits along the way. Desmond Dekker passed away in 2006 at the age of 64, but his music continues to live on.

Thank You Desmond Dekker For This Classic!

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Jamaica Toots Hibbert The Maytals Do The Reggae Caribbean 13thStreetPromotions 13thStreetPromo Reggae Reggay Music Rocksteady Ska Oldies Oldies Sunday Old School 1968

OLDIES SUNDAY: @TootsMaytals – Do The Reggay (1968)


Today’s Oldies Sunday is dedicated to the late Frederick “Toots” Hibbert. A man who knew a thing or few about longevity, Toots Hibbert is the originator of the genre we know as “Reggae“. A man who inspired generations, created hits, and looked good doing it all, the world was definitely rocked when he made his transition on September 11. As founder and member of The Maytals, today we highlight the selection, “Do The Reggay“.

Produced by Leslie Kong and released through the Beverley’s Records in 1968, “Do The Reggay” was made to accompany a popular dance of the same name. While the song didn’t feature complex lyrics, it provided fun sounds that prompted listeners to get into a groove. Through the release of the single, Toots Hibbert is named as a pioneer of Reggae music as “Do The Reggay” marked a shift from the Ska and Rocksteady eras of music into a new genre of more upbeat sounds, and generations of new artists.

Today, regardless of anything, we just want you to enjoy the music, and remember one of the greatest artists to ever emerge from Jamaica. Rest in Peace Toots Hibbert, and thank you for the classics! 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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