Biography
The Uniques were a Jamaican rocksteady and reggae vocal harmony group formed in 1966, emerging during a transformative period in Jamaican music history. The group was founded by Slim Smith and Roy Shirley and became recognized as one of Jamaica's finest harmony trios, spanning the rocksteady era through early reggae. Active with varying line-ups until the late 1970s, The Uniques developed a sophisticated vocal approach that complemented the evolving sound of Jamaican popular music during the 1960s and 1970s.
The group's musical style was characterized by tight vocal harmonies and their ability to adapt to the shifting genres of Jamaican music. As rocksteady transitioned into reggae, The Uniques demonstrated remarkable versatility, maintaining their relevance across both genres. Their work during this period established them as significant contributors to the development of reggae vocal traditions, influencing subsequent generations of harmony-based reggae groups.
The Uniques' legacy extends beyond their active years, with their recordings remaining influential in reggae and lovers rock circles. The group was later reconstituted in 1997 under the production of Winston 'Niney' Holmes, featuring members Cornell Campbell, Jimmy Riley, and Al, demonstrating the enduring appeal of their musical approach and the respect they commanded within the reggae community.
Fun Facts
- The Uniques were one of Jamaica's finest harmony trios and successfully navigated the musical transition from rocksteady through to early reggae, demonstrating remarkable adaptability during a pivotal period in Jamaican music history.
- The group was reconstituted in 1997 by producer Winston 'Niney' Holmes, who had the vision to bring the classic harmony group back together decades after their initial run, showing the lasting impact of their vocal legacy.
- The Uniques' album 'Absolutely... The Uniques' on the Doctor Bird label is recognized as a significant reggae vocal harmony recording, earning strong critical appreciation for their sophisticated approach to the genre.
- The group maintained varying line-ups throughout their active period from 1966 to the late 1970s, allowing them to continue evolving their sound while preserving their core vocal harmony identity.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jamaican Rocksteady and Early Reggae Scene - The Uniques emerged from and were shaped by the vibrant Jamaican music scene during the transition from rocksteady to reggae (Rocksteady and early reggae recordings) [1966-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Slim Smith - Co-founder of The Uniques (The Uniques vocal group recordings) [1966-1970s]
- Roy Shirley - Co-founder of The Uniques (The Uniques vocal group recordings) [1966-1970s]
- Winston 'Niney' Holmes - Producer who reconstituted the group (The Uniques 1997 reunion project) [1997]
- Cornell Campbell - Member of reconstituted Uniques (The Uniques 1997 reunion) [1997]
- Jimmy Riley - Member of reconstituted Uniques (The Uniques 1997 reunion) [1997]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Absolutely Rock Steady | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Slim Smith Super Hits | 2013-10-28 | Album |
| Jackpot Presents Slim Smith | 2011-11-21 | Album |
| Absolutely The... Uniques | 1968-01-01 | Album |
| The Uniques | 1999-04-06 | Album |
| Jackpot Presents Roy Shirley | 2011-11-24 | Album |
| Saturday | 2021-07-31 | Album |
| Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin' | 2020-06-03 | Album |
| Slim Smith Essentials | 2014-10-20 | Album |
| I Am The Gorgon (Original Movie Soundtrack) | 2014-08-19 | Album |
| Roy Shirley Meets Aggrovators & King Tubby | 2014-07-29 | Album |
| The Uniques | 2013-03-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- My Conversation
- Gypsy Woman
- Give Me Some More Loving
- Merry Christmas Darling (And a Happy New Year Too)
- A Yuh (Hey You)
- Let Me Go Girl (Absolutely Rock Steady)
- My Conversation
- Gypsy Woman
- People Rock Steady (Absolutely Rock Steady)
- Crimson and Clover
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not available for Jamaican group (search results show Louisiana band with same name))
Heard on WWOZ
The Uniques has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2025 | 20:27 | Love and Devotionfrom Golden Rockers | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |