The National Library of Jamaica joins the rest of the world in recognition and celebration of one of Jamaica’s treasures through this online exhibition – the legendary Dennis Emmanuel Brown. Jamaica has given birth to many renown local and international talents of which significant credit can be given to the creative industry through music and other art forms. Dennis Brown, throughout his career, through his music, has journeyed beyond the boundaries of Jamaica and has cemented his art into the heart of a global population that celebrates him as “The Crown Prince of Reggae.” Dennis Brown created a legacy beyond the expression of mere words; it ignites a passion and creates a space of reckoning for this musical genius.

Early Life

Born on February 1, 1957 at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in the parish of Kingston. Dennis attended Mrs Brown Infant School and Central Branch Primary located along Slipe Road in Kingston. Dennis Brown was quick to hone his skills as a performer as his family was already heavily engaged in the arts. Arthur Brown, Dennis’ father, was a prominent Jamaican actor while his brother Basil was a comedian. It was, therefore, no surprise he heeded to the call of music. Dennis also resided a short distance from Orange Street also known as “beat street” in downtown Kingston, the then hub of the recording industry during the 1960’s and 70’s. When the wheels of steels were tuned and the rhythm hits the air, the young Dennis Brown demonstrated his vocal prowess with confidence. Dennis’ notes were unique, distinct, and penetrably and evoked cool and at time spirited movements of his audience.

Career

Like most children, parents plan their potential career choices and Dennis’ parents were no different. Despite the myriad of career opportunities which existed, it was clear that Dennis’ passion was music and as destiny allowed, he not only made a career of it, but he also delivered at the highest level.

Dennis’ tenaciousness was captivating from an earlier age. It was demonstrated through him managing school and performances during his formative years. This was considered no easy feat but with dexterity and alacrity he managed and delivered successfully in both areas. Dennis quickly became an established “boy wonder”. He displayed soulful vocal tone that was built with confidence and a high level of maturity which created opportunities to propel him on his journey as a recording artiste.

At the age of thirteen, while singing with a band, Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd, a leading music producer and artist manager, heard his talent and invited him to his studio. Dennis’ fame grew as his music spread like wildfire all over the world. He became respected by industry greats such as Ken Boothe and Delroy Wilson. Dennis Brown revelled in the steady climb he was experiencing and used every opportunity to connect with and learn from various artistes who were already established within the industry. He expressed that he “…wasn’t thinking of competing with any artist. [He] was more thinking of being among them and sharing thoughts with them; sharing views, ideas, etc” (Chang and Chen, 152).

Dennis Brown signed his first recording contract in the late 1960s with the legendary Clement “Sir Coxsone” Dodd of the Studio One label. His first hit and album, “No Man Is an Island,” did well as an album with remarkable sale. During his lengthy career with Sir Coxsone as chief producer, Brown earned a reputation as a gifted talent, capable of performing a variety of different musical styles. He recorded another album with Dodd, “If I Follow My Heart”, before moving on to partnering with other studios for his musical productions. He developed a canon of musical work which resonated with the wider Jamaican population. According to Brown, his inspiration for writing was the “Josephs way- deliverance through vision from all – true vibration” (Chang and Chen, 152)

Dennis worked with many greats such as Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires, Bob Marley, Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGreggor and many others. Dennis also worked alongside key producers of contemporary reggae and ska inclusive of Derrick Harriot and Joe Gibbs. The upcoming Crown Prince was admired for his humility and excellent work ethic, always being prepared and making few mistakes when recording. International recognition was achieved with the release of several ground-breaking songs such as, “Westbound Train”, “Cassandra” and “Africa” while working with Niney “the Observer” Holness. It was also with Holness that he released his masterpiece, “Here I Come”, that would become his signature tune.

From 1977 to 1983, Brown worked almost exclusively with legendary producer Joe Gibbs, releasing songs such as “Visions”, “Words of Wisdom”, “Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours” and “Money in My Pocket”. In 1983, Brown signed with the American label A & M Records, releasing two albums: “Love Has Found Its Way” and “The Prophet Rides Again”. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he performed regularly at the Montego Bay based Reggae Sunsplash Festival. It is believed that “Dennis Brown helped to shape Reggae Sunsplash, becoming one of the first performers of the festival in June 1978, joining headliners Jimmy Cliff, Third World, Inner Circle, Toots and the Maytals,” (Gleaner, 2020)

Arguably one of the most influential vocalists and recorded artistes in Jamaican history, Dennis Brown promoted reggae music throughout the world with hit records and sold out concert tours in almost every continent. Throughout the 1970s to the late 1990s he influenced and mentored many new and upcoming artistes such as; Richie Stephens, Luciano, Junior Reid, Barrington Levy, to name a few. In addition to being a hard worker with over 78 albums, he was a soulful singer and talented song writer who played the guitar and drums. His contribution to reggae was immeasurable as his music was inspirational. Dennis Brown’s music is highly regarded as a timeless legacy. Jamaicans everywhere continue to hail the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Emmanuel Brown.

Dennis Brown passed away from respiratory complications at the University Hospital of the West Indies on July 1, 1999. He was survived by his wife, Yvonne and children.

Highlighting Some Awards

1. Posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) 2011, Commander Class.

2. Burial at The National Heroes Park 

3. Grammy Award nomination 1995 for the Reggae Album – “Light My Fire”

4. Grammy Award nomination 2001 for the Reggae Album – “Let Me Be the One”

Highlighting Legacy

•  In 2001, the Dennis Emanuel Brown Trust was created to educate children and to provide young people with musical instruments.
•  On April 26, 2010, NPR Morning Edition news programme featured Dennis Brown as one of the “50 great voices – stories of awe- inspiring voices from around the world and across time.
•  JCDC’s Annual Tribute Concert at the Kingston Waterfront
• Hard Rock Café has memorabilia display in its franchises located in USA, England and Australia.

Selected items in our collection

Additional Resources