Fallen Reggae King: Dennis Brown

Child prodigy of Jamaican music and Bob Marley's chosen successor

At nine, Dennis Brown started to played in West Kingston charity balls in the mid-60’s with Byron Lee’s Dragonaires. The band’s leader later made him a full-fledged member. The Falcons noticed him because of his association with Lee. They hired him as vocalist. He was again noticed, this time its Studio One impresario Coxsone Dodd, in a casual gig at the Tit-for-Tat club. In 1969, Dodd produced him the Van Dykes’ soul hit “No Man Is An Island” and the album of the same name. Brown was then 11.

Brown has the perfect timing as 1970s approached Jamaica with political injustices and Rastafarianism were transforming the music into a cultural force. Legendary Niney the Observer produced Brown’s 1973 “Westbound Train,” which borrowed is from Al Green. His lyrics gradually developed into message-oriented songs. Niney’s productions were harsh – with the intensity given on “Africa” and “Tribulation.” Towards the end of 70s, big hit for producer Joe Gibbs, “Money In My Pocket,” moved Brown to major label A&M in 1980.

Brown remained a mainstream artiest amidst the overwhelming fright of politics and deeper excursions with Niney. His link with a U.S. label brought him international recognition. He then moved to London where he continued to record and produced. In 1982, with the help of Gibbs, his album “Love Has Found Its Way” made him topped the U.S. R&B charts, a success rarely achieved in reggae. In the end of the 80s, he returned to Jamaica where his market now turned to the youngsters. He sang with Gregory Isaacs and continued to travel around the world.

He faced a problem with cocaine along with his stardom, which he repetitively denied. In 1999, after a tour in Brazil, he whined about chills and fatigue as he flew back home. He died days after that. There were many possibilities – AIDS, pneumonia, the wears and tears of addiction; no one was and would ever be certain because there was no autopsy. A safe estimate of 100 albums was overwhelming as was how his death came unexpectedly. He played so much music in only 42 years of his life.

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