Duke Reid & His Group

Biography

Arthur 'Duke' Reid, born on July 21, 1915, in Portland, Jamaica, was a pioneering figure in Jamaican music, best known for his work as a record producer, DJ, and label owner. After serving ten years as a police officer, Reid transitioned into the music industry, founding one of the most popular sound systems of the 1950s, Reid's Sound System, where he earned the nickname 'The Trojan.' His early career was marked by a deep love for American jazz, blues, and R&B, which influenced his musical selections and production style. In the 1960s, he established the Treasure Isle record label, which became synonymous with ska and rocksteady music, producing hits for artists such as Stranger Cole, Alton Ellis, and The Techniques. Reid's studio was a hub for innovation, and his hands-on approach set him apart from his contemporaries. Despite his initial skepticism toward ska, he eventually became one of its most influential producers, shaping the genre's golden era. In the 1970s, as reggae evolved and Rastafarian themes gained prominence, Reid's influence waned, but he remained active by recording toasters like U-Roy and Dennis Alcapone. He passed away in 1975 after battling cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a foundational figure in Jamaican music.

Fun Facts

• Duke Reid was known as 'The Trojan,' possibly named after the British-made trucks used to transport his sound system equipment.
• He carried pistols and a rifle in his studio and would sometimes fire them to celebrate a successful audition.
• Reid's Treasure Isle label was named after his family's liquor store at 33 Bond Street in Kingston.
• He held a fierce rivalry with Coxsone Dodd, another major figure in Jamaican music, and their competition shaped the sound system and recording scenes of the era.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• American Jazz and Blues Artists - Reid was heavily influenced by American jazz, blues, and R&B musicians, which shaped his early musical tastes and production style. (Tab Smith's 'My Mother's Eyes', Fats Domino recordings) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Stranger Cole - Frequent collaborator and featured artist on Treasure Isle recordings. (Treasure Isle singles and albums) [1960s]
• Alton Ellis - Key artist produced by Duke Reid, known for rocksteady hits. (Treasure Isle singles and albums) [1960s]
• The Techniques - Vocal group frequently recorded and produced by Reid. (Treasure Isle singles and albums) [1960s]
• U-Roy - Toaster and DJ recorded by Reid in the early 1970s. (Treasure Isle singles) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Justin Hinds - Reid's protégé and frequent collaborator, who carried forward Reid's musical legacy. (Justin Hinds and the Dominoes recordings) [1960s-1970s]
• Sonia Pottinger - Reid's successor at Treasure Isle, who continued the label's legacy after his death. (Treasure Isle label management) [1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Hill and Gully Ride - aka Hill an' Gully Rider - with Baba Brooks & His Band (Treasure Isle Ska Rarities)
2. Till the End of Time
3. Lollipop Girl (The Treasure Isle Story)
4. Use Your Head (Take 2) (Treasure Isle Ska Rarities)
5. Lover Boy (The Evolution of Ska - Calypso, Mento, Jamaican R & B & Bluebeat)
6. Dukes Cookies - Remastered (What Makes Money / Dukes Cookies)
7. Lover Boy (100 Roots of Reggae & Ska, Vol. 1)
8. Use Your Head - Take 2 (Treasure Isle Ska Rarities)
9. Sing Ting Bury Yuh (aka Burial) ( Alternate Take) (Treasure Isle Ska Rarities)
10. Till The End Of Time

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia