Every reggae fan has at least one favorite song by the Mighty Diamonds: "Pass the Koutchie," "Right Time," "Africa," "Master Plan" and the list goes on.
Formed in Trench
Town, 1969, Jamaica's premiere harmony trio are currently celebrating 40 years
of making music--from the most militant roots reggae to the sweetest lover's
rock. They are known as the Velvet Razors in Japan, the Kings of Culture in the
U.K. and the Temptations of Reggae in the U.S., according to "Jet" magazine.
The Mighty Diamonds--Fitzroy,
"Bunny" Simpson, Donald "Tabby" Shaw and Lloyd
"Judge" Ferguson--know what soul is all about. The three reggae
warriors have risen from the poverty and despair of inner city Kingston to
become learned reggae ambassadors who have traveled the world spreading the
gospel of harmony and emancipation from mental slavery.
Stranger Cole produced the Mighty Diamonds' first
single, "Oh No Baby" in 1974 and Rupee Edwards produced "Girl
You Are Too Young" during the same year. Jah Lloyd produced "Shame
and Pride" and Joseph Hoo Kim of Channel One produced the Diamonds' first
hit single, a cover of the Stylistics' "County Living." The Channel
One collaboration led to the Diamonds' monumental album, "Right Time"
which propelled then to rock star status in 1975.
"Right Time" brought together the Jamaican
musical elite including Sly and Robbie and Ranchy (drum and bass) and Ancel
Collins (keyboards) and, generated hits such as "Africa," "Have
Mercy" "Natural Natty" and "Them Never Love Poor Marcus."
And then there was the party anthem that defined an era--"Pass the
Koutchie”--which was remade by the British group Musical Youth (who performed
it on "Saturday Night Live" in the eighties) and continues to
be sampled by everyone from Ziggy Marley to Michael Franti to Wyclef Jean in
their live shows. During the Christmas season, the Diamonds’ reggae
version of “Frosty the Snowman” (Ras Records) is a hit with people of all ages.
With wisdom and experience behind them, not
to mention more albums and singles than they can count, the Mighty Diamonds are
still headlining and selling out venues internationally. Led by Tabby's swoon
inducing tenor, the Mighty Diamonds' live show is a celebration of the
music of the African Diaspora, including their classics and covers of songs by
Bob Marley, "Get Up, Stand Up," Curtis Mayfield, ("It's
All Right to Have a Good Time") Jester Hairston ("Amen") and
Alton Ellis ("I'm Still in Love").
After their triumphant
performance at Reggae Sunsplash in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in 2006, the Mighty
Diamonds were presented with Prime Minister's Award from Portia Simpson for
their contributions to their country's cultural industry.
The Mighty Diamonds are currently promoting their
latest CD, "Thugs in the Street," produced on their independent
label, and touring with a s tellar backing band, the Yellow Wall Dub Squad.
For interviews, contact Shelah Moody @ 415 543-2903 or 415
577-4445,
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For bookings, contact Robert Oyugi, Ujama Management, 303 415-1352 or 415
308-5629,
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.
In Jamaica: Fitzroy Simpson,
Managing Director, 876-399-3076.
