Bob Andy

Biography

Bob Andy, born Keith Anderson on October 28, 1944, in Kingston, Jamaica, emerged as one of reggae's most influential and prolific songwriters. His early life was marked by hardship: after moving to Westmoreland to live with his grandmother at age seven, he was later given away by his mother and suffered abuse at the hands of his adoptive parents. Eventually, he became a ward of the state at Maxfield Park children's home, where he taught himself piano and began singing in the Kingston Parish Church choir[2][3].

Andy’s musical journey began in the 1960s as a founding member of The Paragons, alongside Tyrone Evans and Howard Barrett, with John Holt joining later. After leaving the group, he became closely associated with Studio One, Jamaica’s premier recording studio, where he worked as a songwriter and delivered records. His solo career flourished with hits like "I've Got to Go Back Home" (1967), "Desperate Lover," "Feeling Soul," and "Too Experienced." Andy also wrote songs for other reggae luminaries, including Ken Boothe and Marcia Griffiths. In the early 1970s, he teamed up with Griffiths as Bob and Marcia, achieving international success with their UK hit "Young, Gifted and Black" and touring with artists such as Elton John[1][2][3].

Bob Andy’s poetic lyrics and soulful delivery helped define the sound of rocksteady and roots reggae, and his compositions have become standards, covered by generations of artists. He was a pioneering force not only as a performer but also as a songwriter and publisher, establishing his own company, Andisongs. Andy’s legacy endures through his timeless catalog and his profound influence on reggae music worldwide[1][2][5].

Fun Facts

• Bob Andy was one of the first Jamaican artists to establish his own music publishing company, Andisongs[5].
• He starred in the film 'The Mighty Quinn' as an actor[4].
• Andy and Marcia Griffiths toured the UK with Elton John and Gilbert O'Sullivan after their hit 'Young, Gifted and Black'[2][3].
• Despite international success, Andy and Griffiths did not receive payment for their UK tour and discovered their producer had used the proceeds to build a studio and buy a car[2][3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jackie Mittoo - Worked closely at Studio One, influencing Andy’s songwriting and musical arrangements (Studio One sessions, various singles) [Mid-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Tyrone Evans - Co-founder of The Paragons and early musical partner (The Paragons (band), early singles) [1960s]
• Howard Barrett - Co-founder of The Paragons (The Paragons) [1960s]
• John Holt - Bandmate in The Paragons (The Paragons) [1960s]
• Marcia Griffiths - Duo partner in Bob and Marcia; frequent collaborator (Bob and Marcia, "Young, Gifted and Black") [1970s]
• Ken Boothe - Andy wrote songs for Boothe ("I Don’t Want to See You Cry") [Late 1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Marcia Griffiths - Andy wrote several songs that became hits for Griffiths and shaped her career ("Feel Like Jumping", "Truly", "Melody Life") [Late 1960s–1970s]
• Numerous reggae artists - His songs became reggae standards, covered by artists worldwide ("Too Experienced", "I've Got to Go Back Home") [1960s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Life
2. Too Proud to Beg (Retrospective)
3. You Don't Know (Retrospective)
4. Going Home (Friends)
5. Hell a Go Broke Loose (Retrospective)
6. Rasta Reggae Music (Friends)
7. Rock It Down (Retrospective)
8. Patience Is the Key (Retrospective)
9. I Don't Want to See You Cry (Freely)
10. Let Them Say (Retrospective)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia