
John McMorris (born 1970), better known as Little John, is a Jamaican dancehall musician best known for his 1980s recordings.
Born 1970 in Kingston, Jamaica, Little John was so called as he began performing and recording at the age of nine. He first recorded for Captain Sinbad's Youth in Progress label (including debut single "51 Storm"), and is regarded by some as the first dancehall singer, known for his ability to create lyrics over any backing track. After getting his break with Sugar Minott's Youth Promotion organisation, he performed with sound systems such as Romantic Hi Fi, Kilimanjaro, Gemini, and Henry "Junjo" Lawes' Volcano Hi Power. He recorded for many producers in the 1980s, notably for Lawes, Joseph Hoo Kim, George Phang, Jah Thomas, and King Jammy.
He continued to record in the 1990s including the Winston Holness-produced Boombastic (1990), and in the 21st century released the album Build Back Yard (2006). He also continued to perform live, including paying tribute to the late Sugar Minott at Reggae Sumfest in 2010.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played many of Little John's solo and collaboration with other reggae artists during the 80's, but after the 80's, didn't seem to be interested in playing Little John's music, irrespective of new material or not.
Shows Played[]
- 1981
- 12 July 1981 (BFBS) (& Ranking Toyan): Gun Fever (7") Roots Tradition
- 20 July 1981 (& Ranking Toyan): Gun Fever (7") Roots Tradition
- 1982
- 21 September 1982 (& Captain Sinbad): Old Time Religion (7") Explosion
- 22 September 1982 (BFBS) (& Captain Sinbad): Old Time Religion (7") Explosion
- 1983
- 07 September 1983 (BFBS) (& General Plough): War In Me Area (7") Black & White
- 30 December 1985: Run For Cover (7") Techniques
- 1986
- 11 June 1986: No Stop Say So (7") Power House
- 17 June 1986 (& Jose Wales): Dance & Studio (7") Power House
- 04 August 1986: Give Me No Bun (7") Jammy's
- 12 August 1986: Give Me No Bun (7") Jammy's
- 1987
- 12 August 1987: Hicky Baby (7") Stereo One