General Echo
Earl Anthony Robinson, better known as General Echo, a.k.a. Ranking Slackness, was one of the first reggae deejays to move away from 'cultural' lyrics towards 'slackness'.
Biography
Born in the Fletcher's Land area of Kingston, Jamaica, General Echo was regarded by some as the most original deejay since Big Youth. He had a profound influence on many of the deejays that followed, particularly in the United Kingdom.After coming to prominence on sound systems such as Gemini, Stereo Phonic, and Ray Symbolic, he operated his own Echo Tone Hi Fi sound system, and was one of the first major artists to achieve popularity on 'yard tapes'. Echo had achieved success with "Drunken Master" for George Phang, and had a number one hit in Jamaica with "Arleen", on Winston Riley's "Stalag" rhythm, which was followed by the album The Slackest. This was followed by 12 Inches of Pleasure for producer Henry "Junjo" Lawes.
Echo was shot dead by police in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1980, along with selector Flux, and Stereo Phonic owner Leon 'Big John' Johns, after they had stopped the car they were travelling in. The whole incident was never satisfactorily explained. Echo's death inspired Clint Eastwood & General Saint to team up and release the "Tribute to General Echo" single.
Discography
Albums
- People Are You Ready Ballistic
- Rocking & Swing Manzie
- Slackest LP Techniques
- 12 Inches of Pleasure Greensleeves
- Tribute To General Echo Mandingo
- Teacher Fe Di Class Equalizer
- ''Stereo Phonic Live Session''