Leroy Brown, The Black Traps

Biography

Leroy Brown is a distinguished reggae artist born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, who emerged as a pioneering figure in roots reggae music during the 1960s. His musical journey began in his childhood through his mother's involvement with the local church choir, where he first developed his passion for singing. Discovered by Alton Ellis, the "Godfather of Rocksteady," at age eleven, Brown quickly became immersed in Jamaica's vibrant music scene, performing with Ellis and later joining influential groups including The Hippy Boys alongside the Barrett brothers (Aston "Family Man" and Carlton) and The Emotions with Lloyd Shakespeare and Audley Rollen. These formative years established him as a respected vocalist within Jamaica's rocksteady and early reggae movements.

In 1971, Brown relocated to Canada to pursue new opportunities, where he founded The Roys with Leroy Gibbons and Roy Reynolds, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer reggae artist in the Canadian music landscape. His recording career flourished during the mid-1970s, with notable sessions at Jamaica's premier studios including Duke Reid's Treasure Isle, Channel One, and King Tubby's. His album "Prayer of Peace" (1976), recorded with His Defence Force, showcased his deep roots reggae style and lyrical depth. Brown continued recording through the 1980s, including the rare 12" release "Blood A Go Run" with The Black Traps (1986), mixed by Sugar Minott. He received multiple accolades including Juno Awards and the Bob Marley Memorial Award, and has been recognized as one of the key figures in establishing reggae music's foundation in Canada. In 2007, he returned to Jamaica to continue his recording work, maintaining an active presence in the reggae community.

Fun Facts

• Brown received the accredited nickname 'Artist' during his youth at Jamaica Institute Visual Arts School, given by his peers—a nickname that stuck with him throughout his career and became part of his professional identity as 'Leroy Artist Brown'.
• His album 'Prayer of Peace' was originally released in 1976 with nine songs, but when reissued by the French Makasound label, two tracks were removed: 'Time Of Decision' (replaced with a new piece the label found more interesting) and 'Free For All' (which Brown stated was originally created by The Emotions).
• Brown recorded 'Blood A Go Run' at Channel One in 1986, a rare 12" release that featured deep roots reggae mixed by Sugar Minott with full dubwise on the flip side, representing a limited press release.
• He is currently featured in a documentary highlighting key figures in the history and development of reggae music in Canada, recognizing his pioneering role in establishing the genre in the country.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Alton Ellis - Discovered Brown at age eleven and became his primary mentor and collaborator (Performed together as 'Alton Ellis and the Flames') [1960s onwards]

Key Collaborators

• Aston Barrett (Family Man) and Carlton Barrett - Band members of The Hippy Boys alongside Brown (The Hippy Boys) [1960s]
• Lloyd Shakespeare and Audley Rollen - Members of The Emotions vocal group with Brown (The Emotions) [1960s]
• Maxi Romeo - Invited Brown to join The Emotions; fellow member of The Hippy Boys (The Emotions, The Hippy Boys) [1960s]
• Leroy Gibbons and Roy Reynolds - Co-founders of The Roys with Brown in Canada (The Roys) [1971 onwards]
• Leroy Sibbles - Collaborated on recording sessions; Sibbles played bass on Brown's work ('Prayer of Peace' (1974)) [1974]
• Sly & Robbie - World-renowned production duo; collaborated on multiple music projects (Various production projects) [1970s-1980s]
• Sugar Minott - Mixed and collaborated on Brown's recordings ('Blood A Go Run' (1986)) [1986]
• The Black Traps - Collaborative group for recording sessions ('Blood A Go Run' 12" release) [1986]

External Links

• Spotify