Laurel Aitken
Laurel Aitken (Lorenzo Aitken, 1927–2005): Cuban-born Jamaican singer. “Boogie in My Bones” (1959), an early Chris Blackwell production; Blue Beat, Pama and Nu-Beat singles; “Rudi Got Married” (UK No. 60, 1980).
Early years
Lorenzo Aitken was born in Havana, Cuba, on 22 April 1927 and moved to Jamaica with his family in 1938. In Kingston he sang calypso and mento, recording sides such as "Nebuchnezer", "Sweet Chariot" and "Baba Kill Me Goat" in the late 1950s.
Boogie in My Bones
"Boogie in My Bones" backed with "Little Sheila" (1959) was one of the first records produced by Chris Blackwell and is cited as the first Jamaican popular music record released in the United Kingdom. The shuffle-boogie sound bridged American rhythm and blues and the coming ska style.
Blue Beat years
Aitken moved to Brixton, London, in 1960 and released around fifteen singles on Melodisc's Blue Beat label before returning to Jamaica in 1963, where he recorded for Duke Reid and with the Skatalites. He went back to Britain and became one of the most prolific Jamaican artists recording there.
Skinhead reggae
In the late 1960s Aitken recorded for Pama and its Nu-Beat subsidiary, as well as Rio, Dr. Bird and other UK labels. "Jesse James", "Skinhead Train", "Woppi King", "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants" made him popular with British skinhead audiences, and he was nicknamed "Boss Skinhead". He is also widely called "the Godfather of Ska".
Later years
The 2 Tone revival brought him back to the charts: "Rudi Got Married" on I-Spy Records reached No. 60 in the UK in 1980, his only UK singles chart entry. He continued to tour with ska revival bands and died of a heart attack in Leicester, England, on 17 July 2005.
Watch
Discography
Studio albums 16
Collaborative albums 11
Compilations 13
Albums on Breakbeat Archive
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