Ska originated in Jamaica in the late Fifties and combined Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rnb. Ska … More
Tag: The Specials
Born OTD in 1953, reggae drummer of The Specials, John ‘Brad’ Bradbury. Brad played a crucial role in the history of the Specials, the still massively successful multiracial band that first shook up the British music scene in the late 1970s & early 80s by mixing Jamaican ska with punk energy, a bravely political stance & good humour. They were that rarity, a thoughtful band who created great dance music, & Brad was central to their distinctive style. According to the band’s bass player, Horace Panter: “He called his approach ‘attack drumming’ & it became the Specials’ signature sound. He mixed the drive of northern soul with a reggae feel. And he improvised. He was different every night.”
Against the backdrop of the demise of punk, social unrest, and the coming to power of Margaret Thatcher, the Specials … More
Born OTD in 1954, Elvis Costello. Born Declan Patrick MacManus, Costello was raised in London & Liverpool, grandson of a trumpet player on the White Star Line & son of a jazz musician who became a successful radio dance band vocalist. Costello went into the family business & had taken the popular music world by storm before he was 24. Costello continues to add to one of the most intriguing & extensive songbooks of the day.
His performances have taken him from a cardboard guitar in his front room to fronting a rock and roll band … More