Derrick Morgan and His Friends

The rock steady era that dominated Jamaica’s musical landscape between late-1966 and mid-1968 is today widely acknowledged as the most influential period in the island’s history. Not only did the sound lay the foundations upon which reggae subsequently developed, its structure favoured small combos rather than the large ensembles that dominated the ska years, resulting in significantly reduced recording costs.

The development provided cash-strapped music makers with the opportunity to make records and one who took full advantage was enterprising local singing sensation, Derrick Morgan. A major recording star throughout Jamaica since the late Fifties, Morgan established his Hop Records label around the summer of 67, thereafter releasing a series of popular 7” singles, including the immensely popular "Red Rum Ball" by vocal duo, Lloyd and Devon, and his own best sellers, "Conquering Ruler" and "Gimme Back".

Distributed in the UK by Island Records, the popularity of these works ultimately led to the company releasing the now impossibly rare long-player, Derrick Morgan And His Friends, a 12-track collection largely comprising previously unissued material. Now, at long last, this hugely desirable album is available once more, with its contents supplemented by the remainder of Derrick Morgan’s rocksteady productions.

Recorded at Jamaica’s premiere recording studio, WIRL and featuring the musicianship of leading session crews, the Carib Beats and Lyn Taitt and the Jets, the quality of the tracks remains consistently high. With a handful of these enjoyable sides making their CD debut, this stunning 2 disc set is a dream come true for any self-respecting rock steady fan! It features cuts from The Viceroys, The Groovers, Alva Lewis, The Black Brothers, Dawn Penn, etc.