Gray, Owen
Fire And Bullets
Fully licensed, 140gr vinyl. Reissued for the first time on vinyl, an amazing showcase of roots and reggae lovers, originally released on Trojan in 1977. Although his place as a reggae pioneer cannot be questioned, Owen Gray has felt for many years that he never got his due from Jamaica, his homeland. On August 6 2023, the government finally recognized his contribution awarding him with the honor of Order Of Distinction, Jamaica's sixth-highest honour. Gray, now 87, is ecstatic about what he considers an overdue and deserved reward. In the rocksteady era, he recorded for producer Sir Clancy Collins AKA Sir Collins. His popularity continued throughout the 1960s, working with producers such as Clement Dodd, Prince Buster, Sydney Crooks, Arthur "Duke" Reid, Leslie Kong, and Clancy Eccles, including work as a duo with Millie Small, with songs ranging from ska to ballads. He continued to record regularly, having a big hit in 1968 with 'Cupid.' His 1970 track 'Apollo 12' found favour with the early skinheads, and in 1972 he returned to Island Records, recording reggae versions of The Rolling Stones' 'Tumblin' Dice' and John Lennon's 'Jealous Guy,' although they met with little success. During this period, he regularly had releases on Pama and Pioneer Internacional label, Camel Records, and one single on Hot Lead Records. He had greater success in Jamaica, however, with 'Hail The Man,' a tribute to Emperor Haile Selassie, which was popular with the increasing Rastafari following.