Derrick Morgan This Is Derrick Morgan

Derrick Morgan is one of the greats of Jamaican music, he is the undisputed King of Ska. But his recording career did not stop in 1967 when the sound of Ska slowed down into Rocksteady. Nor did it stop in 1968 when Rocksteady evolved into the early sound of Reggae.

Derrick Morgan (B.1940,Stewarton,Jamaica ) had brought his brother in law, Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee into the business around 1968 and their friendship proved to be a long and very productive one. Their first hit together ‘Hold Your Jack’ was not only a local hit in Jamaica, but the rhythm would provide the backbone to the ‘Wet Dream’ track, that Derrick was initially meant to sing. But this duty fell to singer Max Romeo and would go on to be a massive hit in the UK. Bunny Lee had earned the title Jamaican Producer of the Year in 1969,1970,1971 & 1972 and was untouchable. He took Derrick Morgan back in the studio to cut another record this time the rhythms were reggae and the combination of this, and Derrick’s distinctive voice produced this great record.

The set you have here was first released in 1974 when reggae was king, the album carried the name ‘In The Mood’ but also had the working title ‘This Is Derrick Morgan’. A title in the world of Reggae carrying the ‘This is’ moniker, would normally be used to introduce a new singer and be his showcase album. In this case it could be used to re-introduce the singer Derrick Morgan to the new reggae sound. But we feel someone of Derrick’s calibre needs no introduction as his voice works on any rhythms put his way.

For the CD release we had added some of Mr Morgan’s duets, ‘I’m Gone’ sung alongside Hortense Ellis and ‘Feel So Good’, So Long Baby’ that he cut with Paulette. His hit ‘The Conqueror’ and the Rocksteady style ‘Greedy Gal’. These songs seem to fit with the original album tracks and add an extra flavour to the mix.

So sit back and enjoy one of greats of Jamaican music showing the world with the help of producer Bunny Lee that he can roll with the Reggae sound…..

Respect…