Today in UnSung Reggae Heroes, we feature the man many called the Nat King Cole of Jamaica, the legendary Jackie Edwards.
Born Wilfred Gerald Edwards in 1938, he was a star on the island by the late 1950s, when he was discovered by future Island Records founder
Chris Blackwell, who persuaded Edwards to relocate to the U.K. in 1962.
Edwards had a huge talent, and although some critics have dismissed him as too smooth and sentimental he was noted as the original "cool ruler" recording an impressive catalogue of hits across jamaica's ever-evolving soundscape. From ska, to rocksteady, roots to lovers rock.
His biggest mainstream success, however, would stem from his writing skills.
Besides from writing hits for local acts like Millie Small, Jackie Edwards would pen mainstream chart-toppers for the American Country Rock duo the Everly Brothers, the first three #1 hits for the British 60's rock band the Spencer Davis Group, and his 1975 recording "Get Up" for Sonia Pottinger's High Note imprint would become the music backdrop for The Clash's iconic single "Revolution Rock." on the now cult classic 1979 album "London Calling".
He would return to jamaica in Christmas of that year to embark on the next phase of his musical journey working a briefly with producer Bunny Lee, and The Aggrovators, alongside a few other notable local producers of the time.
He would retreat to songwriting soon after, creating the bulk of his song 538 song catalogue during this period.
Though his name may have faded over time for many, the unassuming impact of Jackie Edwards on popular music is undeniable with his song "Revolution Rock" for the Clash already reissued 137 times and is the most re-issued single from a Jamaican songwriter in the history of music.
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