Ken Boothe
b. 1948
Kingston, Jamaica
Ken Boothe is recognized as one of the greatest reggae artists of his generation. An internationally renowned musical legend with a beautiful, powerful, soulful, passionate voice which transcends age, race, social, and religious barriers. He continues appealing of the hearts of an ever expanding universal audience as he tours the world singing.
Born in the beautiful island of Jamaica, growing up in the humble surroundings of Denham Town, Ken emerged with his love for music and a sense of mission coupled with raw musical talent and extraordinary insight and stamina toward achieving a status that few entertainers can claim. His musical talents and love for humanity have afforded him of the opportunity of touring in North and South America, Europe, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean.
A unique combination of talent; one of a kind singer, an accomplished musician, songwriter, musical arranger and impressive dancer. His artistic style embraces a rare blend of music genius.
Ken Boothe's musical career began in the early sixties. Being from a musically talented family, Ken attributes his Mother and older sister's musical interests and abilities in inspiring him to use his blessing. In addition, he acknowledges being influenced by the musical greats of Mahalia Jackson, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, The Temptations, and The Drifters. He began his recording career with Winston "Stranger" Cole, releasing titles such as "World's Fair", "Hush", and "Artibella" during 1963 to 1965. After this he released a series of hits with Clement Dodd's Studio One Label until 1970.
At the age of 17 in 1968, he recorded his first album, "Mr. Rock Steady", which included numerous hits such as "The Girl I Left Behind", "When I Fall In Love", "I Don't Want To See You Cry", "Home, Home", and "Puppet on a String".
Ken recorded "The Train Is Coming" at Studio One in 1966. Then in combination with DJ Shaggy in 1995 "The Train Is Coming" was released on Shaggy's platinum selling Grammy winning "Boombastic" album. This song was adopted as the theme song on the sound track for the movie, "Money Train", staring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. Most recently, the British Reggae group international fame,UB40, recorded the "Train Is Coming" along with a video that features the legendary Ken Boothe.
In 1997, he inspired the world with his hit song "Freedom Street" under Leslie Kong's Beverley's label as well as "Why Baby Why". In the 70's he freelanced for various producers.
In 1974, he recorded and released his golden hit "Everything I Own", which topped the international charts followed by "Crying Over You". He has to his credit an illustrious string of hits that dominated the Rocksteady and Reggae music era successfully. Over the years, Ken has proven to be a master of musical dynamics during his commanding performances on stage in which he treats the audience to the presence of musical royality. His energy personified, emotionally impactful performances continue to keep him in demand in Jamaica and internationally.
Ken Boothe is viewed as a Reggae Ambassador with respect and admiration for making significant contributions to the lyrical currency of the world. He strives to maintain the original, authentic integrity of Reggae Music as he initially delivered it to be the world along with his ever popular contemporaries Bob Marley, Bob Andy, and BB Seaton to name a few.
To date, he has released a total of 19 albums and is acknowledged as an unparalled voice in the history of Reggae Music. Ken Boothe received the 1999 Reggae Living Legend Award. In celebration of this lifetime musical achievement, a special edition, new CD, single I and I and I was released in his honor during December of 1999 under the record label Moli.
This internationally recognized musical Reggae Legend continues to record new music with a sense of responsibility for promoting peace, love and justice for all humanity.
In May 1999, he released the powerfully, socially impacting new song "Injustice. Ken is currently working on releasing two new albums for the year 2000 to continue conveying his message of love to the world.
Ken Boothe's major ambition is to sing and write songs which will be instrumental in influencing a consciousness of Universal Love for the World's people.
-- Courtesy (Music on The Lakes International) -- |
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