Mr. Rock Steady
Ken Boothe
1968Studio
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette
Artist profile · 05/07/2026
Ken Boothe
Ken Boothe, born in 1948 in Kingston's Denham Town, is a seminal Jamaican artist known for rocksteady and reggae. Active since the 1960s, he formed a duo with Stranger Cole before a solo career that embraced lovers rock and roots reggae.
- 7
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 258k
- Last.fm listeners
- 2M
- Last.fm plays
About
Ken Boothe, Jamaican reggae voice from Denham Town since 1948.
7 albums available on vinyl; key records hit UK charts in the 70s; collectors seek original 1970s pressings from Jamaica and UK.
Ken Boothe began recording in the early 1960s, initially forming the duo Stranger and Ken. His progression from rocksteady to reggae coincided with collaborations at influential Jamaican studios, especially Studio One. Boothe's voice and soulful interpretations of classics placed him alongside reggae pioneers. His discography includes iconic 1970s albums such as Mr Rock Steady (1967), Black Gold and Green (1973), and Everything I Own (1974).
His work often features reinterpretations of American soul music standards combined with authentic roots reggae rhythms. Recent vinyl releases continue to celebrate his lasting influence, with strong collector interest in original Jamaican pressings and European reissues.
Discography
Ken Boothe discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Black, Gold & Green
Ken Boothe
1972Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Reggae for Lovers
Ken Boothe
1979Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Who Gets Your Love
Ken Boothe
1979Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
I Am Just a Man
Ken Boothe
1994Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Natural Feeling
Ken Boothe
1995Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Rock On Love
Ken Boothe
1995Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Groove to the Beat
Ken Boothe
1999Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Gospel Door 2 Door
Ken Boothe
2001Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Ain't That Loving You
Ken Boothe
2004Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live in Paris
Ken Boothe
2005Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Acclaimed
Ken Boothe
2008Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Journey
Ken Boothe
2013Studio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Everything I OwnOld Fashioned Ways · 2025 - 02
Ain't No SunshineBoothe Unlimited · 1972 - 03
ArtibellaInna De Yard · 2017 - 04Crying Over YouOld Fashioned Ways · 2025
- 05Freedom StreetOld Fashioned Ways · 2025
- 06
Is It Because I'm Black?Let's Get It On · 1974 - 07Everything I Own - 7'' Mix
- 08
Silver WordsBlood Brothers · 1976
Essentials
3 Ken Boothe albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1973This 1973 album blends social themes and roots reggae, released originally on Trojan Records with stereo sound.
11 tracksStereoOriginal Trojan Records release
#2 · 19761976 album mixing lovers rock and roots reggae styles, issued originally on Jamaican LTD label, a key part of Boothe's 70s output.
10 tracksOriginal LTD pressingJamaica release
#3 · 1974Notable 1974 studio album offering a blend of reggae and soul, released on Trojan Records with multiple vinyl reissues on the UK market.
12 tracksOriginal Trojan Records releaseMultiple UK reissues
Go further
Artists similar to Ken Boothe
Artists who share part of Ken Boothe's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Ken Boothe
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
01Studio
Ken Boothe recorded at Studio One
Ken Boothe worked at the renowned Studio One label, recording key singles like 'Feel Good' in the 1960s under Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd’s direction.
02Collaboration
Early duet with Stranger Cole
Before establishing his solo career, Ken Boothe formed a duo with Stranger Cole in the early 1960s, releasing rare singles such as 'Hush' and 'Artibella' between 1963 and 1966.
03Release
Blood Brothers original 1976 Jamaican pressing
The 'Blood Brothers' LP released in 1976 on LTD label in Jamaica (catno LP 2-11-76) is considered original and fetches up to €19.29 on the vinyl market today.
His vocal style often draws comparisons to Wilson Pickett, capturing the soul of 60s black music.— Ken Boothe's early critics
05Recent pressing
Inna De Yard 2017 French pressing
The 2017 'Inna De Yard' vinyl released by Chapter Two in France (catno 3351036) remains sought after, with about 15 copies available at around €15 each as of now.
Ken Boothe vinyl discography
See allEssential Artist Collection – Ken Boothe
Ken Boothe
Roots ReggaeReggae/Ragga
2024-10-25BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTEVERYTHING I OWN/VINYLE COULEUR OR AUDIOPHILE 180GR
Ken Boothe
Ska / RocksteadyReggae/Ragga
2024-02-16MUSIC ON VINYLWhite Man at Hammersmith Palais EP
Leroy Smart
Roots ReggaeReggae/Ragga
2017-12-08VP GreensleevesFrom$23.75
1 offer
Ken Boothe CDs
See all
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who is Ken Boothe and what genre is he known for?
Ken Boothe is a Jamaican singer known for reggae and rocksteady music, active from the 1960s onwards.
What are some essential Ken Boothe albums on vinyl?
Key albums include 'Black Gold And Green' (1973), 'Blood Brothers' (1976), and 'Let's Get It On' (1974), all available on vinyl.
When did Ken Boothe start his music career?
He started in the early 1960s, initially as part of a duo before going solo in 1966.
Which record labels did Ken Boothe record with in the 1970s?
Notable labels include Studio One, Trojan Records, LTD (Jamaica), and Federal Records.
Are original pressings of Ken Boothe's albums valuable?
Original Jamaican pressings from the 1970s, like 'Blood Brothers' (LTD, 1976), can command prices around €17-€19.
Where can I find Ken Boothe vinyl records in France?
French vinyl releases like 'Inna De Yard' (2017, Chapter Two label) are available with prices around €15.
What makes Ken Boothe's vinyl releases interesting for audiophiles?
Many releases feature original analog mastering and high-quality pressings, appealing to fans of authentic reggae sound.
Does Ken Boothe's music include soul influences?
Yes, his style incorporates soul music covers and vocal techniques inspired by 1960s American artists.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 05/07/2026