Soul, Blues, Sixties Music Database
TOM HARK- Columbia – 1958 Elias and his Zig Zag Flutes released Tom Hark in 1958. This was played at the original Brazennose Street Twisted Wheel in Manchester. Everyone knows the tune but few know what it is called or who played it originally. It is South African kwela music and it reached the pop charts … Read more
007 (Shanty Town) ISRAELITES IT MEK LICKIN STICK Foo Manchu Desmond Dekker was born in 1942 in Kingston, Jamaica. He was the first Jamaican artist to have a top ten hit – Israelites (or Vitalite as it became known as after featuring in a food advertising campaign). A great favourite both at The twisted Wheel … Read more
Roland Alphonso was a member of the Skatalites and saxophone player originally from Havana Cuba. He moved to Kingston Jamaica when he was two and when he grew up he recorded for the Studio One label (owned by Coxsone Dodd). Lots of his records made it to Manchester. The grocer’s shops in Moss Side were the place to … Read more
Mockin’ Bird Hill – Pye 1964 The Migil 5 were a very early British attempt at SKA, big hit in 1964, and played quit a lot at the Old Wheel. They were the original backing group for Lennie Peters, the blind singer and less photogenic half of the easy listening duo, Peters and Lee: Welcome … Read more
Dr Kitch – Lord Kitchener – “I cannot stand the sight of your needle” – from one of Ska and Calypso’s legends. First played by Roger Eagle at ‘The Wheel’ in 64′ and covered by Georgie Fame. Of course it was this man who kicked of the popularity of Jamaican music in Britain – with … Read more
Bang Bang Lulu – Pama 1968 Lulu Returns – Pama 1968 Lloyd Chalmers of the Chalmers did this number under aa pseudonym, Lloyd Terrel, probably because of its very risky lyrics. (Info: thanks to Peter Piper of Germany) – Lloyd Chalmers (The Chalmers) – recorded Bang Bang Lulu under the name of Lloyd Terrel. However, … Read more
Carolina Often copied but the original was by The Folkes Brothers. “Oh Carolina you get on my nerves, I’ve heard you so often more than your Blue Beat deserves. Oh Carolina I guess you had the right curves to charm the Prince and the Brothers. But I am not one of your lovers, so leave … Read more
Eric Morris‘ Drumbago All Stars were Byron Lee and the Dragonairs under a different name – Eric Morris was the lead singer with Byron Lee’s Band.The Humpty Dumpty track was produced by Prince Buster. Oil In My Lamp was often to be heard at several Manchester Soul Clubs. Blue Beat and Ska were very popular … Read more
Tougher than Tough Derrick Morgan was from the era of The Skatelites, Prince Buster and all the other pioneers of reggae and bluebeat. This interview with Derrick Morgan conducted by David Rodigan, was broadcast on Kiss 100fm in London on 20th May 2001. Derrick Morgan Interview When did you start being involved with music? I … Read more
Housewife’s Choice Gypsy Woman – 1962 Derrick and Patsy were a reggae duo – Derrick Morgan and Patsy Todd. Gypsy Woman was an excellent cover of Curtis Mayfield’s song and was played often at Manchester Mod and Soul clubs.