WE REMEMBER BOB ANDY

Description

Bob Andy, stage name of Keith Anderson, was a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter born on October 28, 1944, in Kingston (British Jamaica) and who died on March 27, 2020, in the same city. Bob Andy began his solo career in 1966 with the super hit "I've Got to Go Back Home," a song that became a classic "lover's rock" tune. He sang and wrote songs for the vocal group The Paragons, which he founded with Tyrone (Don) Evans and Howard Barrett, later joined by John Holt. The Paragons went on to have many hits with Coxsone Dodd, including "Love At Last," performed by Bob Andy. During the Studio One era, Bob Andy worked closely with Jackie Mittoo on a number of tracks for the label. His songs also became classic reggae tunes such as "Unchained" (covered or adapted many times), "Feeling Soul," "My Time," "Going Home," and "Too Experienced" (which was a hit for Barrington Levy in the late 1980s), to name a few. Bob Andy contributed to the songwriting for several songs by other Jamaican artists. A follower of Rastafarianism, Bob Andy participated in the vibrant musical scene of hopeful Kingston in the 1970s. In 1970, international recognition came when the duo Bob & Marcia (with Marcia Griffiths) recorded a cover of Nina Simone's "Young, Gifted and Black," which sold 500,000 copies in the UK and Europe. They released other Top 10 singles and two albums for Trojan Records. When the duo separated in 1974, Marcia Griffiths became one of the I-Threes, who were Bob Marley's backing vocalists. Bob Andy explored many different avenues during the 1970s, even to the point of neglecting music. He embarked on an acting career (notably in "Children of Babylon" in 1979). He returned to music in the 1980s, both as a singer and producer. He joined Studio Tuff Gong – founded by Bob Marley – and contributed to its development. Since then, he has continued to record, perform on stage, and help other artists. Over time, recognition for his talent and human qualities has steadily grown. This compilation includes 15 of the best tracks recorded and produced by BOB ANDY performed by reggae legends. As well as 10 instrumental versions.