Johnny Clarke (born 12 January 1955) is a Jamaican reggae musician, best known for his recordings with producer Bunny Lee in the 1970s. Under Lee's tutelage during 1975-76, Clarke became a popular new singer in Jamaica. His repertoire, an astute mix of militant "dread" tunes and love songs, given a contemporary gloss or "style" by the Aggrovators studio band, found immediate favour with the discerning dancehall patrons of Jamaica and elsewhere. Lee encouraged him to cover classic Jamaican standards by artists such as John Holt and Bob Marley. Following this period, Clarke continued to record for Lee and other producers as diverse as Errol Thompson and King Jammy. He continued to lay tunes, in UK, at Ariwa Studios with Mad Professor in the mid 80s. During the 90s he recorded for Fashion Records, Jah Shaka in the UK, and the hitmaking production duo of Steely & Cleevie.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first started playing Johnny Clarke's material in the mid 70's and would continue play his songs well into the early 00's on his programmes.
In 1998, Peel proclaimed Johnny's compilation album, 'Dreader Dread 1976-1978', as one of his favourite albums for November 1998 (Peel's Record Box).
Shows Played[]
- 19 March 1976: Cold I Up (7") Attack
- 1977
- 16 November 1977: Waiting In Vain (7")
- 1980
- 31 January 1980: Cold I Up (LP – Creation Rockers, Vol. 6) Trojan
- 02 February 1980 (BFBS): Cold I Up (v/a album - Creation Rockers Volume 6) Trojan
- 1982
- 26 April 1982: You Better Try (12") Art & Craft
- 19 July 1982: Take Heed (album - I Man Come Again) Black Music
- 22 July 1982: Jamaican Music (7") Music Works
- 15 November 1982: Dance Hall Champion (7" - Rocking To The A Class Champion / Dance Hall Champion) Fashion
- 30 November 1982: Rocking To The A-Class Champion (12") Fashion
- 1983
- 28 June 1983: Nuclear Weapons (LP - Yard Style) Ariwa
- 13 July 1983: Young Rebel (10") Top Notch
- 1989
- 11 September 1989: Rebel Soldering (album - Dont Trouble Trouble) Attack
- 09 October 1989: Don't Call I Daddy (7" - Don't Call I Daddy / A Chiney Man Version) Knock Out
- 1991
- 03 November 1991: A Colder Version (album - Johnny In The Echo Chamber (Dubwise Selection 1975-1976) Attack
- 1993
- 23 January 1993: Blood Dunza (7") Jackpot
- 1995
- 14 October 1995: Age Is Growing (7") Observer
- 1997
- 11 March 1997: Young Rebel (10") Dub Organiser
- 1998
- 12 November 1998: Fire & Brimstone A Go Burn The Wicked (CD - Dreader Dread 1976-1978) Jackpot
- 24 November 1998: In The Roots Of The Ghetto (CD - Dreader Dread 1976-1978) Blood & Fire
- 29 November 1998 (BFBS): 'Top Ranking (I'm The Toughest) (2xLP-Dreader Than Dread (1976-1978))' (Blood & Fire)
- 2001
- 13 March 2001: Jah Jah We Are Waiting
- 2002
- 10 April 2002: Love Up Your Brothers And Sisters (LP - Dubwise And Otherwise 2) Blood & Fire
- 17 September 2002: Love Your Brothers And Sisters (LP - Dubwise And Otherwise 2) Blood & Fire
- 11 October 2002 (BBC World Service): Love Your Brothers And Sisters (LP - Dubwise And Otherwise 2) Blood & Fire
- 2004
- 21 September 2004: Blood Dunza (7") Attack
- 03 November 2004 (Rob Da Bank): 10-1 (7") Attack
- 16 December 2004: Every Knee Shall Bow (part of DJ mix)