No one can touch soul music like Johnny Osbourne. He’s on that ultimate level with Al Green, Curtis, Aretha, Otis, James Brown and Marvin Gaye.
Born Errol Osbourne circa 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica, Johnny found fame in the late 1970s after his triumphant return from Canada to Jamrock, recording with Coxsone Dodd. On his classic album Truth and Rights (which goes for a healthy kidney nowadays) that this tune was released on, he was soon dubbed the ‘Dancehall Godfather’.
The same joyful hit also features on side two of the bright and brilliant 100% Dynamite compilation by Soul Jazz Records. It’s the ultimate chill anthem, showering the listener in a wealth of good vibes and pure comfort, on luxurious 12 inch 45rpm black vinyl.
It’s heavenly aural bliss. I have it on a Studio One EP and without a single doubt, this is a sound investment. But also note this well, a mint imported Studio One repress or reissue does not come cheap. Then again, you can’t put a price on this kind of love, especially on a phat rig in a full dancehall!
On the flip there’s a sweet little gem by Otis Gayle called “I’ll Be Around”, which also fits the mood perfectly.
Al Rankin
Whakatū / Waimea based dub reggae dancehall selector. Original badman, blat blat.
