Lets look back to some reggae classics for a minute. Not for any particular reason, just for the fact that it’s simply so good. If you’re not familiar with a man named Don Carlos, then it’s time you change that. Within the many categories of reggae, there is a small section called “lovers rock” that one might easily skip past. Lovers Rock is exactly what it sounds like: reggae with love in mind. This is where Don shined.
Don was born and raised in western Kingston, Jamaica in a very deprived district known as Waterhouse. For some reason, Waterhouse produced many reggae names that you still hear today: King Tubby, The Jays, Junior Reid, and King Jammy.
Don began singing in 1973 as a member of Black Uhuru. He sang alongside Garth Dennis and Derrick Simpson, the leader of the trio. Don played a key role in the recordings of the highly acclaimed Love Crisis album, produced by Prince Jammy in 1977 which was later re-released as The Black Sounds of Freedom. After some time finding his sound as a soloist, Carlos blossomed in May 1981, releasing the heavy cultural roots album Suffering for Negus Roots.
Some of his most notable albums include Harvest Time, Day to Day Living and Them Never Know a Natty Dread were released in 1982. Spread Out, also released in 1982 and commonly known now as Laser Beam, had many fan favorites.
Don Carlos – Lazer Beam [download]
Big Eagle
Creating the Haunted Man
