By now my adoration of Seventies reggae is apparent to anyone who’s been reading this blog for a while, so allow me to bid a fond farewell to a master of the genre.

Record producer Joe Gibbs passed away last Thursday. Lee Perry, Niney the Observer, Beres Hammond, The Heptones, The Ethiopians, Jacob Miller, and Dennis Brown number among the many artists he produced. Gibbs also produced Culture’s groundbreaking album Two Sevens Clash, and I already told you how much I love that classic. If you’re new to the wonderful world of reggae and you’re ready to try something other than Bob Marley, that’s a great place to start.

If you’re ready for more Joe Gibbs, most definitely check out the soundtrack to Rockers.
If you’ve never heard any of this stuff and it sounds interesting to you, try one of my favorite songs on for size. This is “Cool Off Son” by Junior Murvin. It’s a certified dancehall classic.

RIP, Sir Gibbs — your legacy will live on. Are you a diehard reggae fan like me? Tell me your favorite Joe Gibbs tune!

Filed Under:

COMMENTS

Geoffrey Philp says:
February 26, 2008, 9:30 am
Bella, this is sad news indeed. Peace, Geoffrey
Mrs.Mckinzie says:
February 26, 2008, 10:03 am
"RIP",and my prayers go out to his family.
madame butterfly says:
February 26, 2008, 1:28 pm
first time commentator, i am listening to npr and you are on! yeah! this is so cool.. i love love love your blog.. bald headed and makeup less and all..i have lurked on your blog various times, which has brought me so much joy, reflection and smiles. thank you for your work. amani ( peace )
Paco says:
February 26, 2008, 4:25 pm
Two of my favorite tracks that 'Sir Gibs' produced, Culture's "Black Starliner Must Come" and Dennis Brown's "Ain't That Loving You." Thanks for word of his passing.
Esteban Agosto Reid says:
February 26, 2008, 6:45 pm
Joe Gibbs will definitely be missed. condolences to family and friends!! RESPECT!!
Funkyblackchick says:
February 26, 2008, 7:21 pm
Gibbs was/is definitely a legend!
Tanya says:
February 27, 2008, 11:57 am
My favorite Joe Gibbs tune is Fist to Fist Rub a Dub by Kojak and Liza. RIP, Joe.
ebonys says:
February 27, 2008, 10:42 pm
...I don't know much about Gibbs, but since he's had a direct hand in all the reggae greats you referenced then I've been touched by his genius...sorry to hear about his passing. I love the work of Joseph Hill/Culture...Two seven clash is a great album, the title track is a favorite of mine and I also love I'm not ashamed. You shook the dust off a good one; if any of your readers are interested in a good vintage reggae session tune into http://www.cbc.bb/index.pl/radio1 on Sundays at 2:00 p.m eastern time. P.s great show on News & Notes!
algoriddim says:
March 4, 2008, 12:40 am
Wow, small world. I found your site after seeing you had linked to a Joseph Hill video featuring a recording in Joe Gibbs' studio. I scroll down the page and see your image was a image I did for a Joe Gibbs podcast I did some time ago... http://www.algoriddim.com/show.php?show_id=2003121 Indeed, rest in peace Baba Gibbs.
Steve Francis says:
December 11, 2008, 10:02 pm
I'm almost two years late. Joe Gibbs was one of my favourite producers growing up. "Boxing" Cornell Campbell, "My Woman" Barrington Levy, "Let Me Love You" Dennis Brown, just to name a few. He had a great sound. Since being introduced to Afrobella my reggae roots have been revived.