DENNIS EMMANUEL BROWN (feb.1 1957- July 1 1999)
One of Jamaica's most prolific hitmakers, Dennis Emmanuel Brown, graced our lives at the prodigious age of 9, since which time he has never looked back. At age 11 (1968), Dennis joined his first band The Falcons. He was pushed up-front, becoming the band's lead singer, although he was in the mist of much older colleagues, ages averaging about 26 years old. That year, Dennis left The Falcons and spent several rewarding years touring Jamaica with the famous Byron Lee and the Dragonaries, Soul Syndicate, Now Generation and Skin, Flesh and Bones. The latter evolving to become the present Lloyd Parks & We the People Aggregation. Two years later on his recording debut, the Coxsone Dodd produced 'No Man Is A Island', made number 1 on the Jamaican Hit Parade.
Dennis had rarely given the charts a breather since 1970, his audience and fans building and broadening as his amazing talent continues to blossom from the days of 'Boy Wonder' to 'Crown Prince'. Just about every Dennis Brown record being an improvement on its predecessor.
Dennis Emmanuel Brown, his art and vision expanding with every release, critical and public acclaim becoming more and more orgasmic, might be more than a little enamoured with him.
But as a musician, Dennis was an exception, a human who happens to be a singer, overflowing with a disarming charm, wisdom and true humility; bereft of any self-importance, warm, soft spoken, someone you feel real good to be around.
Relating to his music, Dennis states empathetically, "I want to be a shepherd in my work, teaching and learning... a deliverer of the people, a man of visions and prophecy, adopting the mantle of the biblical Joseph, for it was Joseph who saved the Children of Israel when they were in Egyptian bondage in the days of King Pharaoh. I see myself as a messenger of Jehovah, doing my works for Jah, for the sake of the people, through the powers of Jah."
Dennis in his career has released over 200 singles and an incredible 50 albums, which include unforgettable titles such as No Man Is An Island, If I Follow My Heart, Super Hits, Just Dennis, West Bound Train, Greatest Hits (parts 1&2), Visions Of Dennis Brown, Wolf and Leopard, Joseph Coat Of Many Colours, Foul Play, Love Has Found It's Way, It's Magic, Inseparable and of course Good Vibrations.
We at Chartsounds & Visions, miss him very dearly not just as a friend, but also as a brother, and decide to pay maximum tribute to the Crown Prince of Reggae. We at Chart Sounds, Maccabees and Fire Tribe labels have been a home for Dennis for over 15 years; we are privileged to have been part of the special phenomena that was Dennis Emmanuel Brown. R.I.P
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