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Genre: Reggae, Funk, Root Reggae
Period: 1960s-present
Region: Ontario
Leroy Brown, born in West Kingston, Jamaica, grew up in a household filled with music. His mother was responsible for the music at their local church, which influenced Brown’s love of singing as a child. With the encouragement of Alton Ellis, Brown formed The Hippy Boys with his brothers, Carlton and Aston Barrett, and would often perform around their neighborhood. The group underwent various changes, featuring artists like Delano Stewart, Max Romeo, Glen, and Reggie. Additionally, Brown was a member of The Emotions with Aston Barrett and Lloyd Shakespeare. However, the group eventually disbanded when Lee Perry and Bunny Lee encouraged them to pursue their projects.
In 1971, Brown moved to Canada in pursuit of new opportunities. In 1974, he recorded “Prayer of Peace” in Toronto with Leroy Sibbles, where he played bass. This was one of Sibbles’ first recordings. He also formed a musical group called The Roys with Leroy Gibbons and Roy Reynolds. During this time, he produced his second studio album, Color Barrier. He gained recognition in Canada and was called a ” pioneer reggae artist in Canada” by the Jamaica Observer. He became a prominent figure in the reggae music scene, working alongside Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles and Lynn Taitt. He was awarded various accolades, including Juno and Bob Marley Memorial awards. In 2007, he returned to Jamaica to continue recording.
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The Canada Black Music Archives is a non-profit digital archive established as a division of Word Media Group Inc.
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