The Melodians
formed - 1963
(Greenwich Town, Jamaica)
Brent Dowe
b. June 29, 1946 - (Greenwich Town, Jamaica)
d. January 29, 2006 - (St. Andrew, Jamaica)
Tony Brevette - Trevor McNaughton - Renford Cogle
The Melodians are among the rock steady greats and have provided reggae music with some of its most enduring hits including "Swing and Dine," "Too Young to Fall in Love," and their monster hit "Rivers of Babylon." The Melodians got their start when they were still teens as a trio comprised of lead singers Tony Brevette and Brent Dowe backed up with the sweet harmonies of Trevor McNaughton; Renford Cogle, who did not sing, but penned, co-penned and arranged their best songs is also a legitimate, important member of the group.
All of the Melodians were born and raised near Kingston's Greenwich Town and it was the burg's local singing contest that brought them together in 1963. They won the competition and this led them to a recording session for Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd at Studio One where they recorded 4 songs. Only one, "Lay It On" made any real chart impact. After that the Melodians began recording for Duke Reid's Treasure Isle and it is with Reid that their career took off with 3 fast hits including "Expo 67." They had steady success with Treasure Isle, but left after a monetary dispute and moved to the High Note label where Sonia Pottinger became their new producer. Another steady stream of hits including their classic "Little Nut Tree," emerged. With their mellow tones, and sweet harmonies, the Melodians became one of the chief proponents of lover's rock. After a brief attempt at producing themselves, they teamed up with producer Leslie Kong and his Beverlys label in 1969. "Sweet Sensation" was one of their biggest hits from this period.
Following Kong's death in 1971, the Melodians performed for almost every major studio in Jamaica. They did, however stay far away from Studio One. Unfortunately things had changed and the Melodians, while not unsuccessful, were unable to rekindle the fire of their earlier careers and so went their separate ways in the mid-'70s. Of the three singers, Brent Dowe had the most success, but the other two did all right as well. The Melodians regrouped in the '90s as part of the roots revival and continue to perform and record. They are particularly popular in Japan.
-- Courtesy (Sandra Brennan, All-Music Guide) -- |
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