Prince Lincoln, The Royal Rasses

Biography

Prince Lincoln Thompson, known as Sax, was born on July 10, 1949, in Jonestown, Kingston, Jamaica. He emerged in the Jamaican music scene during the late 1960s as a harmony singer with The Tartans, alongside Cedric Myton, before the group split in 1969[1][3]. Thompson's early career flourished at Studio One, where he recorded notable tracks such as 'Daughters of Zion,' 'True Experience,' and 'Live Up to Your Name.' In 1974, he formed The Royal Rasses, a band that became a vehicle for his innovative songwriting and spiritual messages, deeply rooted in the Rastafari movement[1][2].

Thompson's music with The Royal Rasses was distinguished by his high falsetto voice and a unique blend of reggae with international influences, including elements of soul, jazz, and funk. Albums like 'Humanity' (1974), 'Experience' (1979), and 'Natural Wild' (1980, featuring English rock musician Joe Jackson) showcased his willingness to experiment beyond traditional reggae rhythms, earning both acclaim and controversy among purists[1][2][3]. Despite commercial challenges, especially with the cross-genre 'Natural Wild,' Thompson remained committed to creating music for the moral upliftment of humanity, as reflected in his lyrics and themes[2].

Prince Lincoln Thompson's legacy endures through his pioneering work in roots reggae and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians. His humanitarian outlook, innovative musical style, and spiritual conviction have earned him recognition as one of reggae's most distinctive voices, even if his contributions remain underappreciated compared to contemporaries like Bob Marley. Thompson passed away from cancer in London on January 14, 1999, leaving behind a rich catalog of music and a reputation for artistic integrity[1][3].

Fun Facts

• Prince Lincoln's nickname 'Sax' came from his fondness for brightly colored socks, called 'sax' in Jamaican patois[2].
• During a European tour, only two first-class tickets could be found for the band due to flight shortages, resulting in a dramatic journey to London for their debut gig[2].
• The Royal Rasses once had to rehearse with the Israelites band for a London show due to travel delays caused by Hurricane David[2].
• After relocating to London, Thompson opened a greengrocer's shop in Tottenham, North London[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Coxsone Dodd - Studio One producer who gave Thompson early recording opportunities and guidance (Daughters of Zion, True Experience, Live Up to Your Name) [1971]

Key Collaborators

• Cedric Myton - Bandmate in The Tartans and collaborator on early Royal Rasses recordings (Humanity album) [1967-1974]
• Clinton Hall - Band member and contributor to Royal Rasses recordings (Humanity album) [1974]
• Keith Peterkin - Band member and contributor to Royal Rasses recordings (Humanity album) [1974]
• Joe Jackson - Collaborated on the cross-genre album 'Natural Wild' (Natural Wild album) [1980]
• Pablo Black - Musical director and keyboard player for The Royal Rasses during European tours (Live performances, European tour) [1979-1980]

Artists Influenced

• John Legend - Covered Thompson's song 'Humanity (Love the Way It Should Be)' (Wake Up! album) [2010]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Revelation (The Songs of Bob Andy)
2. Space Ship (Truly Feel Good Reggae)
3. Mechanical Devices Dub (Jamaican Me Crazy)
4. Mechanical Devices DUB (49 Great Reggae Hits Vol. 1)
5. Mechanical Devices (Best Of Reggae Volume 19)
6. Natural Wide Dub (Vintage Reggae, Vol. 1)
7. Interstella Overdub (Harder Na Ras)
8. Second Sight (Harder Na Ras)
9. Nebular Dub (Harder Na Ras)
10. Time Warp (Harder Na Ras)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia