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King Jammy

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

King Jammy, also known as Prince Jammy, is the stage name of Lloyd Woodrowe James, a Jamaican dub mixer, sound system owner and producer, born in 1947. In the late 1960s he earned money building amplifiers and repairing electrical equipment in his mother's house in Waterhouse, a district of Kingston. He then started a sound system of his own and built equipment for other systems. In the early 1970s he worked in Canada for a few years. In 1976 he returned to Kingston and set up a studio of his own in his in-laws' house.

Music and breakthrough

His musical career began as a dub master in King Tubby's studio. When Philip Smart left for New York, Jammy took his place. His dubs are known for their clear sound and their use of effects. In the late 1970s he began releasing productions of his own, including Black Uhuru's debut album in 1977. In the 1980s he became one of the most influential producers of dancehall.

Influence

His biggest hit was Under Me Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith from 1985, with an entirely digital rhythm line. Many people call this song the first digital riddim in reggae, and with it the beginning of the modern dancehall era. Later Jammy digitised old riddims such as Real Rock and Far East. In this way he showed how dub could grow from King Tubby's studio into the electronic sound of dancehall.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Under Me Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith. Notice the rhythm line that comes entirely from an electronic keyboard and how bare and tight the accompaniment sounds.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists