Al Campbell


Alphonso "Al" Campbell is a Jamaican reggae singer active since the late 1960s.

Biography

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Campbell's singing career began in church, where his father was a preacher, and Al would sing to raise funds. He went to school with Lloyd James and formed a vocal group with friends as a teenager, called The Thrillers, who recorded in the late 1960s for Studio One. After briefly joining up with Freddie McGregor and Ernest Wilson, he went on to work with Prince Lincoln Thompson's Royal Rasses, and the Mighty Cloud band. Campbell then embarked on a solo career, and was a popular roots reggae singer during the 1970s, recording for producers such as Phil Pratt, Bunny Lee, and Joe Gibbs, and recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark studio.
His "Gee Baby" was a big hit in 1975 in both Jamaica and the United Kingdom. He adapted successfully to the early dancehall and lovers rock styles in the late 1970s and 1980s, working with producers such as Linval Thompson. Campbell's recording of "Late Night Blues" became a staple of blues parties. Campbell performed with the Stur-Gav sound system in the early 1980s. More recently he has recorded for King Jammy, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, and Mafia & Fluxy.
In 1997, he joined Cornell Campbell and Jimmy Riley in a new version of The Uniques, the group releasing a self-titled album in 1999.
Campbell has not performed in Jamaica since a stageshow held by Jack Ruby shortly before the latter's death. He continues to tour Europe and North America

Albums

  • Gee Baby Phil Pratt/Sunshot
  • Ain't That Loving You Jamaica Sound
  • Loving Moods of Al Campbell Ital
  • Mr. Music Man Manic
  • No More Running Terminal
  • Showcase DEB
  • Rainy Days Hawkeye
  • Diamonds Burning Sounds
  • More Al Campbell Showcase Ethnic
  • Mr. Lovers Rock Sonic Sounds
  • Late Night Blues JB
  • The Other Side of Love Greensleeves
  • Dance Hall Stylee Narrows Enterprise
  • Bad Boy CSA
  • Freedom Street Londisc
  • Forward Natty Move
  • Shaggy Raggy Sampalu
  • Reggae '85 Blue Mountain
  • Fence Too Tall Live & Love
  • Ain't Too Proud To Beg - LP Live & Love
  • Bounce Back Reggae Road
  • The Soulful Al Campbell Rhino
  • Road Block Exterminator
  • Revival Selection Kickin'
  • 22 Karat Solid Gold Reggae Road
  • 22 Karat Gold Volume 2 Reggae Road
  • Rock On Charm
  • Hit Me With Music Hot Shot
  • Roots & Culture Jet Star
  • Today, Tomorrow, Forever Reggae Road
  • Deeper Roots Reggae Road
  • Always In My Heart Artists Only
  • Higher Heights Reggae Road
  • Love From a Distance Cousins
  • Tribute to Clement Coxsone Dodd Reggae Road
  • 24/7 Reggae Road
  • Rasta Time - Lagoon
  • Talk About Love - Sonic Sounds
  • It's Magic - free world music