 Wailing Souls
formed - 1965
(Kingston, Jamaica)
Winston 'Pipe' Matthews
Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald
George 'Buddy' Haye - left in 1968
Oswald Downer - joined 1968, left 1974
Norman Davis - joined in 1968, left 1974
Garth Dennis - joined in 1976
Originally named the Renegades, the group initially consisted of Lloyd "Bread" McDonald and George "Buddy" Haye, with Winston "Pipe" Matthews as lead vocalist. This line-up recorded backing vocals for an Ernest Ranglin album before breaking up in 1968. Matthews and McDonald then teamed up with Oswald Downer and Norman Davis, recording "Gold Digger" for Lloyd Daley.
 Their next move was to Coxsone Dodd at Studio One where, like so many other Jamaican artists, they recorded some of their finest work, often credited to the Classics. However, they became Pipe And The Pipers when they recorded two classic singles, "Harbour Shark" and "Back Biter", for Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label in the early 70s. Their vocals had a raw edge, neatly counterpointed by their harmonies, and their early work set the pattern for their entire career. Their vocal prowess, and ability to write songs almost to order, meant that for the next 20 years they were never far from the limelight, recording in whatever musical style was fashionable at the time, and still making fine music of lasting quality. In 1974 Davis and Downes left and Hill rejoined. Joe Higgs also entered the group's ranks for a short time, but left to tour the USA with Jimmy Cliff. Their next producer, Joseph "Joe Joe" Hookim, put them firmly in the hit parade with a succession of local hits for Channel One, notably "Things And Time", "Joy Within Your Heart" and "Very Well". In 1976 Garth Dennis (of Black Uhuru ) joined the group. Their next move was towards more artistic and financial independence with the formation of their own label, Massive, and their first two releases, "Bredda Gravalicious" and "Feel The Spirit", were massive hits in 1977/8. They moved on to Sly And Robbie's Taxi label in the early 80s for two more hit records, "Old Broom" and "Sugar Plum Plum". Their next release for producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes, "Fire House Rock", was one of their most popular records. Somehow, they also found time (and energy) to make some beautiful records for Linval Thompson during this artistically and commercially successful period.
Throughout the 80s, they continued to make superbly crafted, conscious records, which, although out of step with the times, still sold well to discerning listeners worldwide. They also proved that they could still succeed in the dancehalls, with some tunes for King Jammy towards the end of the decade. The 90s saw them signed to Sony. |
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