Biography
Al Campbell, born on 31 August 1954 in Kingston, Jamaica, began his musical journey singing in church where his father was a preacher, using his voice to raise funds. Immersed in Jamaica's vibrant reggae scene from an early age, he was influenced by icons like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and John Holt. As a teenager, he attended school with Lloyd James (Prince Jammy) and formed the vocal group The Thrillers, recording for Studio One in the late 1960s. His early career included brief stints with Freddie McGregor and Ernest Wilson, followed by work with Prince Lincoln Thompson’s Royal Rasses and the Mighty Cloud band.[1][2]
Campbell's breakthrough arrived in the 1970s as a solo roots reggae artist, recording for producers such as Coxsone Dodd, Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt, Joe Gibbs, and at Lee 'Scratch' Perry’s Black Ark studio; he also contributed vocals to two Heptones albums. Hits like 'Gee Baby' (1975) and 'No More Running' propelled him to stardom in Jamaica and the UK, blending reggae with soul and R&B elements. Adapting to lovers rock and early dancehall in the late 1970s and 1980s, he collaborated with Linval Thompson, releasing tracks like 'Late Night Blues' (1980), a blues party staple, and performed with the Stur-Gav sound system.[1][2]
Throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond, Campbell worked with Sly & Robbie, King Jammy, Philip 'Fatis' Burrell, and Mafia & Fluxy, maintaining a prolific output. In 1997, he reunited with Cornell Campbell and Jimmy Riley in a new version of The Uniques, releasing a self-titled album in 1999. Despite personal challenges, his soulful vocals, rhythmic precision, and socially conscious songwriting have cemented his legacy in reggae, with ongoing tours in Europe and North America but no performances in Jamaica since before Jack Ruby's death.[1][2]
Fun Facts
- Attended school with Lloyd James, better known as Prince Jammy, a legendary reggae producer.
- Performed with the Stur-Gav sound system in the early 1980s and has not appeared on a Jamaican stage since a show for promoter Jack Ruby shortly before Ruby's death.
- 'Gee Baby' became a major hit in both Jamaica and the UK in 1975.
- Faced personal struggles including addiction but continued a dedicated career spanning over five decades.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bob Marley - major stylistic influence (general inspiration for reggae style) [early career, 1960s-1970s]
- Dennis Brown - key vocal and reggae influence (general inspiration) [early career, 1960s-1970s]
- John Holt - influential singer-songwriter (general inspiration for soulful melodies) [early career, 1960s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Freddie McGregor - brief vocal group partnership (early group recordings) [late 1960s]
- Ernest Wilson - brief vocal group partnership (early group recordings) [late 1960s]
- Prince Lincoln Thompson - band member in Royal Rasses (Royal Rasses recordings) [early 1970s]
- The Heptones - guest vocalist (two Heptones albums) [1970s]
- Bunny Lee - key producer (hits like 'Gee Baby') [1970s]
- Linval Thompson - producer for lovers rock/dancehall ('Late Night Blues' (1980)) [late 1970s-1980s]
- Cornell Campbell - reunion in The Uniques (The Uniques self-titled album (1999)) [1997-1999]
- Jimmy Riley - reunion in The Uniques (The Uniques self-titled album (1999)) [1997-1999]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dubs From The Foundation | 2025-05-23 | Album |
| No More Running + Gee Baby | 1977 | Album |
| Diamonds + Rainy Days | 1978 | Album |
| Reggae Icons Sings Lovers Rock | 2012-08-08 | Album |
| Always In My Heart | 2001 | Album |
| Sons of Jamaica | 2015 | Album |
| Ain't That Loving You | 1978 | Album |
| Love From A Distance | 2007-01-24 | Album |
| One 2 One | 2004-01-01 | Album |
| Forward Natty | 1985 | Album |
| Weather Baloon | 1978 | Album |
| In Lovers & Roots Style | 2022-01-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Gee Baby (No More Running + Gee Baby)
- I Want You Around (Diamonds + Rainy Days)
- Diamonds (Diamonds + Rainy Days)
- Never Let You Down (Diamonds + Rainy Days)
- No More Running (No More Running + Gee Baby)
- Old Time People Say
- Take a Ride
- Respect (Dubs From The Foundation)
- Cornal Mind (Diamonds + Rainy Days)
- When the Grass Is Green (No More Running + Gee Baby)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Al Campbell has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 14, 2025 | 21:46 | Talk About Lovefrom George Phang: Power House Selector's Choice Vol.4 | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |