Freddie McKay (sometimes Freddy McKay) (1947 – 19 November 1986) was a Jamaican singer, whose career spanned the rocksteady and reggae eras.
McKay, born in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica, is regarded as one of the most soulful singers to come out of Jamaica. McKay first recorded for producer Prince Buster in 1967, his first hit coming the same year with "Love Is A Treasure", recorded for Duke Reid's Treasure Isle set-up. McKay then enjoyed a fruitful spell with Coxsone Dodd, recording a number of popular songs for Studio Onebacked by The Soul Defenders, including "High School Dance", "Sweet You Sour You", and "Picture on the Wall", the latter the title track of his 1971 debut album.
A second album, Lonely Man followed in 1974. McKay recorded a duet with Horace Andy in 1975, "Talking Love" which was also a hit in Jamaica. McKay enjoyed another hit in 1976 with "Dance This Ya Festival", which won the Jamaican Independence Popular Song Contest that year. McKay teamed up with Alvin Ranglin for the misleadingly titled The Best Of Freddie McKay (it was an album of new recordings) in 1977, McKay now adapting to the prevailing roots reggae style. The Ossie Hibbert-produced showcase album Creation followed in 1979, and Tribal Inna Yard in 1983.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played some tracks from the singer between the late 70's and mid 90's on his radio programmes, but never played any of his material in the 00's.
Shows Played[]
- 17 August 1978: Jah Love I (single) Lucky Star 7
- 1979
- 16 July 1979: High School Dance (Various LP - Rebel Music - An Anthology Of Reggae Music) Trojan
- 1980
- 23 January 1980: It Ain't Easy (7") Matador
- 28 January 1980: It Ain't Easy (7") Matador
- 02 February 1980 (BFBS): It Ain't Easy (7") Matador
- 07 February 1980: It Ain't Easy (7") Matador
- 21 May 1980 (& Trinity): Come Together (12”)
- 16 June 1980: Just Out Of Reach (7”) Manzie
- 21 June 1980 (BFBS): Just Out Of Reach (7") Manzie
- 12 July 1980 (BFBS): Just Out Of Reach (7") Manzie
- 16 July 1980: Just Out Of Reach (7”) Manzie
- 1984
- 06 February 1984: unknown pre-release (possibly Tricker's Loving back-announced only)
- 11 February 1984 (BFBS): Trickster's Loving (7") Volcano
- 1986
- 28 January 1986: Tribal Inna Yard (LP - Tribal Inna Yard) Move
- 03 February 1986: The Message (LP - Tribal Inna Yard) Move
- 19 February 1986: Lonely Man (LP - Tribal Inna Yard) Move
- 1987
- 19 August 1987: Picture On The Wall (LP - Picture On The Wall) Studio One
- 25 August 1987: Picture On The Wall (LP - Picture On The Wall) Studio One
- 1996
- 10 August 1996: Scrub It (v/a album - Return To Umoja) Conqueror
- 17 August 1996 (BFBS): 'Scrub It (Compilation CD-Return To Umoja)' (Conqueror)