Dandy Livingstone

Biography

Dandy Livingstone, born Robert Livingstone Thompson on December 14, 1943, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a pioneering figure in the development of ska, rocksteady, and reggae music in the United Kingdom. At age 15, he moved to London to live with his estranged mother, quickly immersing himself in the burgeoning British Jamaican music scene. His first record was released without his knowledge when a tenant in his building sold tracks he had recorded to Planetone Records. Livingstone’s ingenuity was evident early on: when Carnival Records sought a Jamaican vocal duo, he double-tracked his own voice to create the act 'Sugar & Dandy,' scoring his first hit with 'What a Life' in 1964[3][4].

Livingstone’s career flourished in the late 1960s after signing with Ska Beat Records and later Trojan Records, where he released influential albums and singles. His 1967 track 'Rudy, A Message to You' became an anthem for the UK’s skinhead subculture and was later famously covered by The Specials, introducing his work to a new generation during the 2 Tone ska revival[1][3][4]. His biggest commercial success came with 'Suzanne Beware of the Devil,' which reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart in 1972[4]. Livingstone was also a noted producer, working on tracks such as Tony Tribe’s 'Red Red Wine,' later popularized by UB40[1].

Musically, Livingstone blended authentic Jamaican rhythms with British influences, helping to bridge Caribbean and UK cultures. He was instrumental in popularizing ska and reggae in Britain, influencing both the music and the associated youth subcultures. Though he returned to Jamaica in the 1970s and largely stepped back from music, his legacy endured through the continued popularity of his songs and their impact on later artists. In recent years, Livingstone has sporadically returned to recording, notably releasing 'They Call Us Legends' in 2020[1].

Fun Facts

• Dandy Livingstone double-tracked his own voice to create the duo 'Sugar & Dandy' before recruiting actual partners for live shows[3][4].
• His first record was released without his knowledge after a neighbor sold his recordings to Planetone Records[3][4].
• The Specials’ 1979 cover of 'Rudy, A Message to You' helped revive Livingstone’s career and introduced his music to a new generation[1][3].
• Livingstone produced Tony Tribe’s 'Red Red Wine,' a song later made famous by UB40[1].

Associated Acts

• Brother Dan All Stars
• Dandy & His Group - eponymous, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lee Gopthal - Founder of Trojan Records, early supporter and employer at record shop (Trojan Records releases) [1963-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Roy Smith - Live performance partner in Sugar & Dandy (Sugar & Dandy singles) [1960s]
• Tito 'Sugar' Simone (aka Keith Foster) - Second vocalist in Sugar & Dandy, later solo as Tito Simon (Sugar & Dandy singles) [1960s-1970s]
• Rico Rodriguez - Trombonist, collaborated on ska/reggae recordings (Rudy, A Message to You) [1960s-1970s]
• Tony Tribe - Produced Tony Tribe’s 'Red Red Wine' (Red Red Wine) [1969]

Artists Influenced

• The Specials - Covered 'Rudy, A Message to You' on debut album, central to 2 Tone ska revival (The Specials (1979 album)) [1979]
• UB40 - Covered Tony Tribe’s 'Red Red Wine', originally produced by Livingstone (Red Red Wine) [1983]
• British reggae and ska artists - Inspired by Livingstone’s pioneering UK ska and reggae sound (Various) [1970s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Rudy, a Message to You
2. Suzanne Beware of the Devil
3. Think About That
4. Don't Break Your Promise
5. Big City
6. I'm Your Puppet
7. Message to Rudy (The Vault Is Open)
8. Talking Bout Ska (The Vault Is Open)
9. Take a Message Maria
10. Come Back Liza

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jamaican-ska, #reggae, #rocksteady