Biography
Sister Carol, born Carol Theresa East on January 15, 1959, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a pioneering reggae artist celebrated for her dynamic presence and cultural influence. Raised in the Denham Town district of West Kingston, she moved with her family to Brooklyn, New York, at age 14. Her father, Howard East, was a senior engineer at Radio Jamaica and contributed to recording sessions at the legendary Studio One, immersing Carol in music from an early age. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from City College of New York in 1981, the same year she gave birth to her first child.
Encouraged by Jamaican DJ Brigadier Jerry, Sister Carol transitioned from singing to DJ chatting in the dancehall style, quickly establishing herself in New York’s burgeoning reggae scene. Her debut album, 'Liberation for Africa' (1983), was followed by the influential 'Black Cinderella' (1984), which solidified her reputation. Over a four-decade career, she has released more than 20 albums, including the Grammy-nominated 'Lyrically Potent' (1996), and founded her own Black Cinderella label. Sister Carol’s music blends roots reggae, dancehall, and rocksteady, marked by conscious lyrics and a strong feminist voice.
Known as the 'Black Cinderella' and 'Mother Culture,' Sister Carol has toured internationally and collaborated with a wide range of artists. She is also recognized for her appearances in several Jonathan Demme films, such as 'Something Wild' and 'Married to the Mob.' Her legacy endures as a trailblazer for women in reggae and a vital force in the global spread of Jamaican music.
Fun Facts
- Sister Carol is one of the few female reggae artists to receive a Grammy nomination, earning the honor in 1996 for her album 'Lyrically Potent.'
- She has appeared in several Jonathan Demme films, including 'Something Wild,' 'Married to the Mob,' and 'Rachel Getting Married.'
- Sister Carol founded her own record label, Black Cinderella, to maintain creative control over her music.
- She has lectured at universities and music festivals worldwide, highlighting her role as both artist and educator.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Brigadier Jerry - Encouraged her to adopt the DJ chatting style and mentored her early in her career. (Guided her transition to dancehall; influenced her debut and early albums.) [Early 1980s]
Key Collaborators
- The Meditations - Toured with Sister Carol after her early competition successes. (Live performances and tours.) [Early 1980s]
- Judy Mowatt - Worked together on the song 'Screwface.' ('Screwface') [Date not specified]
- Marcia Griffiths - Collaborated on the single 'The World Needs Love.' ('The World Needs Love') [Recent years]
- Jason Mraz - Featured on his single 'Time Out' from the album 'Look for the Good.' ('Time Out' (Jason Mraz, 'Look for the Good')) [2020]
- Nakeeba Amaniyea - Her daughter; collaborated on the single 'My Jamaica.' ('My Jamaica') [2018]
- Glen Adams, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Bunny 'Striker' Lee - Producers for her 2020 album 'OPPORTUNITY.' ('OPPORTUNITY' album) [2020]
Artists Influenced
- Nakeeba Amaniyea - Her daughter, who has followed in her footsteps as a deejay and collaborator. ('My Jamaica') [2018–present]
- Female reggae and dancehall artists - Paved the way for women in reggae and dancehall with her success and feminist voice. (General influence on subsequent generations) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cinderella | 1995-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Murdee & Stylee (Black Cinderella)
- Black Cinderella (Black Cinderella)
- International Style (Black Cinderella)
- Oh Jah (Mi Ready) (Black Cinderella)
- Down In The Ghetto (Black Cinderella)
- Reggae Gone International (Black Cinderella)
- Spidla-Ding (Black Cinderella)
- No Way No Better Than Yard (Black Cinderella)
- Dedicated To Bob Marley (Black Cinderella)
- Free Food Ticket (Black Cinderella)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Sister Carol has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2025 | 21:51 | War Mongersfrom 1derful Words | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |