Don Carlos

Biography

Don Carlos, born Euvin Spencer on June 29, 1952, in the Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica, emerged from one of the city's most musically fertile yet deprived neighborhoods. Waterhouse is renowned as the birthplace of many reggae legends, and Carlos began his singing career in the mid-1960s, recording his first tracks at Federal Studios in Kingston. In 1973, he co-founded the influential roots reggae group Black Uhuru alongside Garth Dennis and Derrick 'Duckie' Simpson, singing lead on their acclaimed debut album 'Love Crisis' (later reissued as 'Black Sounds of Freedom').

After leaving Black Uhuru in the late 1970s, Carlos developed a distinctive solo style rooted in melodic, conscious roots reggae, often collaborating with co-writer and vocalist Gold. His 1981 album 'Suffering' became a major success, especially in Africa, and established him as a solo force. Throughout the 1980s, Carlos was a prominent figure in both roots and dancehall scenes, releasing numerous hits and albums such as 'Harvest Time,' 'Day to Day Living,' and 'Laser Beam.' He later reunited with Black Uhuru from 1989 to 1994, contributing to four Grammy-nominated albums before returning to his solo career, which continues to thrive internationally.

Carlos's musical style blends uplifting melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and the deep grooves of roots reggae, dub, and rocksteady. His legacy is marked by his influence on subsequent generations of reggae artists, his international touring presence, and his enduring role as a bridge between classic and contemporary reggae sounds.

Fun Facts

• Don Carlos's 1981 album 'Suffering' was a massive hit in Africa but was heavily bootlegged, resulting in him not receiving proper royalties.
• He has thirteen children living in Jamaica, London, New York, and California.
• Carlos is one of the few people from Waterhouse who could safely walk the streets at any hour, even when the area was considered dangerous.
• He rejoined Black Uhuru for a reunion in 1989, resulting in four Grammy-nominated albums during his second stint with the group.

Associated Acts

• Black Uhuru (1987–1994)
• Black Uhuru (until 1977)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• King Tubby - Influential figure from Waterhouse and pioneer of dub, shaping the local sound and production techniques that influenced Carlos's early career. (General influence on Waterhouse sound and reggae production) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Garth Dennis - Co-founder of Black Uhuru and later collaborator during the group's reunion. (Love Crisis, Now, Mystical Truths, Iron Storm, Strong (Black Uhuru albums)) [1973–1977, 1989–1994]
• Derrick 'Duckie' Simpson - Co-founder of Black Uhuru and collaborator during reunion period. (Love Crisis, Now, Mystical Truths, Iron Storm, Strong (Black Uhuru albums)) [1973–1977, 1989–1994]
• Gold - Co-writer and backing vocalist on many solo projects. (Harvest Time, Day to Day Living, Them Never Know A Natty Dread Have Credentials) [1980–1984]
• Reggae Angels - Collaborated as touring and recording partner in the 2000s. (Live performances and recordings) [2000s]
• Dub Vision - Current touring band supporting Don Carlos internationally. (Live performances) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Junior Reid - Fellow Waterhouse artist influenced by Carlos's vocal style and roots reggae approach. (General stylistic influence) [1980s–present]
• Modern roots reggae artists - Carlos's melodic roots style and conscious lyrics have inspired a new generation of reggae musicians worldwide. (Various contemporary reggae works) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Roots Reggae Music (feat. Don Carlos) (Count Me In)
2. Jah Jah Know (Hebron Gate)
3. Babylon Rule Dem (Hebron Gate)
4. Movin (To The Top) (7 Days A Week)
5. Time (7 Days A Week)
6. Designer Girl [She Got Me]
7. Picture on the Wall (Hebron Gate)
8. I Just Can't Stop (Just A Passing Glance)
9. Young girl
10. Harvest Time (Raving Tonight)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz