Jah Stitch(bornMelbourne James,27 July 1949 – 28 April 2019) was areggaedeejaybest known for his recordings in the 1970s.
Jah Stitch | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Melbourne James |
| Born | 27 July 1949 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Origin | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Died | 28 April 2019(aged 69) Kingston, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Biography
editAfter an introduction to music singing in a yard with the likes ofThe Wailers,The Heptones,Roy Shirley,andStranger Cole,James became well known in Jamaica by deejaying with theLord TippertoneandBlack Harmonysound systems,working as Jah Stitch.[1]His debut single was theErrol Holt-produced "Danger Zone".[1]Big Youthwas an early influence on Stitch's deejay style and he had several hits working with producerBunny Lee,with deejay versions of songs byJohnny Clarke,as well as tracks such as "African Queen" withYabby You.[1]Shortly before theOne Love Peace Concertin 1976, Stitch survived being shot, providing the inspiration for "No Dread Can't Dead".[1]His success in Jamaica continued and in 1977 he toured theUnited Kingdom.
In the mid-1980s, he worked as aselectoronSugar Minott'sYouth Promotionsound system, now under the name Major Stitch.[1][2]
He resumed his recording career in 1995, working with Trevor Douglas andJah Woosh.His peak 1970s output for Bunny Lee and Yabby You was collected in 1996 byBlood and Fireon theOriginal Ragga Muffin (1975–77)compilation.
He died on 28 April 2019, aged 69.[3]
Albums
editStudio albums
edit- No Dread Can't Dead(1976) Third World
- Watch Your Step Youthman(1977) Third World
- Straight to Babylon Chest(1979) (withPrince Jazzbo)
- Moving Away(1979) Live & Love
- Jah Woosh Meets Jah Stitch at Leggo Sounds(1995) Leggo
Compilations
edit- Original Ragga Muffin (1975–77)(1996) Blood and Fire
- The Killer(1999)Culture Press
- Love & HarmonyRhino (withJackie Mittoo)
- Dread Inna Jamdown(2007) Jamaican Recordings
- Anthology 1969-1990(2012), Attack
References
edit- ^abcdeLarkin, Colin (1998) "The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae", Virgin Books,ISBN0-7535-0242-9
- ^Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) "The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.", Rough Guides,ISBN1-84353-329-4
- ^Katz, David (2 May 2019)."'Original raggamuffin' Jah Stitch, pioneering reggae vocalist, dies aged 69 ".The Guardian.Retrieved2 May2019.