Biography
Who is Horace Andy?
Early life and beginnings
Born Horace Keith Hinds in Kingston, Jamaica, the artist began his professional path in the late 1960s. He recorded his debut single, This is a Black Man's Country, in 1967 while working with producer Phil Pratt. The track did not achieve immediate success. By 1970, after an initial rejection, he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One.
Dodd suggested changing his professional name to Horace Andy. This choice was intended to leverage the fame of Bob Andy and avoid confusion with his cousin, Justin Hinds. His first release under this new name was Got To Be Sure. This period established his presence in the Jamaican music scene. He followed up with tracks like Night Owl and Fever.
Musical development and Rastafarian roots
Horace Andy was a dedicated Rastafarian who frequently participated in Ethiopian World Federation gatherings in Kingston. He aimed to balance his repertoire by mixing romantic songs with socially conscious lyrics. However, he encountered hesitation from producers regarding protest material. Some critics argued that his light vocal tone did not fit the protest genre.
Despite this, he continued to release successful reggae music throughout the 1970s. His song Skylarking became a major hit after initially appearing on a compilation album. It eventually topped the Jamaican charts. Other well-known singles from this era included Children of Israel and a re-recorded version of Skylarking produced by Bunny Lee. He maintained a productive output, working with various producers including Gussie Clarke and Derrick Harriott.
Collaborations and international career
In 1977, the singer relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, with his wife Claudette. During his time in the United States, he recorded the album In The Light. His work with producer Everton DaSilva ended following the producer's death in 1979. Horace Andy later moved to Ladbroke Grove in London in 1985 with his second wife, Caroline. He continued to split his time between the United Kingdom and Jamaica for recording projects.
His profile expanded significantly in the 1990s when he began a collaboration with the Bristol trip hop band big Attack. He contributed vocals to five of their studio albums. Well-known tracks from this partnership include Angel and his work on the album Mezzanine. He also appeared on the 2010 release Heligoland.
Discography and musical style
His musical style helped bridge the gap between traditional reggae and the emerging dancehall genre. The 1978 album Pure Ranking anticipated the shift toward dancehall reggae. By 1982, he released the influential album Dance Hall Style on the Wackie's label from his studio in The Bronx. This record is often cited as a classic example of the genre's development.
He has maintained a steady career, releasing numerous albums over the decades. Recent projects include the 2022 album Midnight Rocker, produced by Adrian Sherwood, and the 2024 collaborative release with Jah Wobble titled Timeless Roots. His career spans over five decades of recording and live performance.
Birthday and age
Horace Andy was born on February 19, 1951, which makes Horace 75 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Horace shares the date with 57 other famous people.
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