Trail Blazer Delroy Wilson's Tribute Tour~ Insights courtesy of promoter Annon Deans

 

'You just have to love Delroy Wilson. This is simply a display of raw and natural talent, I just love his phrasing, his timing, his improvisation and his vibe. In a word brilliant.'

'Good music comes from the soul, a reflection of the singer's emotional depth and interpretative abilities.  Give me the passion and funk of this song over any music being created today, pure and sublime, an elevation of mood and spirits!'

The two comments above were taken from YouTube and posted under Dancing Mood. I think they tell you all you need to know about Delroy's music and convey how powerful and touching his whole vibration is.

Delroy Wilson was undisputedly Jamaica's first and one of the countries greatest child stars; a real trail blazer. I discovered in an article recently that Delroy was referred to as 'Boy Wonder,' understandably so given his impact, in-particular with regard to Studio One. Delroy began recording at 13 years of age and was mentored by Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, Studio One boss. This was a genius pairing that at the time rivalled Prince Buster, a major artist, and set the bar high for subsequent internationally acclaimed artists such as Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths and of course, Bob Marley. During his career Delroy demonstrated flexibility and progression, key requirements for success in any industry. He clearly displayed his versatility by recording Ska in the first instance and later, Reggae, Rocksteady and Dancehall.

That said, given the above information I wanted to discover more reasons as to why promoter Annon Deans was so passionate about creating the Delroy Wilson Tribute Tour. Here are some of the interesting facts I uncovered which follow a quick introduction to Annon Deans.

Annon Deans is a recent business partnership which started earlier this year between Crosswell Annon and Donald Deans. Crosswell Annon is a guitarist with his band the Toppicks who backed Rupie Edwards on Top of the Pops and at several live shows. Annon and Deans decided to join their experiences together creating a music publishing company whose first venture is to organize and promote the Delroy Wilson Tribute Show. They are aiming to produce and record all types of music and put on live shows. Donald Deans has provided the content for this article therefore most of the background information comes from his musical history. When referring to Donald Deans I will use the name I know him as which is Dean.

Donald Deans

Back in the day, the 60's to be precise, Dean attended Balham Boys' School with Festus Coxonne, famous DJ for the Coxonne Sound System. Festus introduced Dean to Lloyd Coxonne owner of the Sound system, and in 1982 Lloyd in turn introduced Delroy Wilson to Dean. At the time Delroy was in Jamaica so Dean partnered with  Frank Bruno’s brother Michael Nesbeth who was living in Wandsworth. Together they brought Delroy to the UK on several occasions between 1982-1987.

Lloyd Coxsonne, a recent photo

Dean started working with Delroy, booking shows and tours in the UK- many of which were in London, specifically The Podium. Delroy's shows sold out up and down the country and were held at venues in Coventry, Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, Birmingham, Northampton & more! During that time Frederica Tibbs, a highly successful artist in her own right, was the opening act for all of Delroy Wilson's shows. 

Throughout this period Dean and Michael were operating from an office in Lavender Hill, Clapham. They were simultaneously running tours, taking bookings and managing their own record label. Delroy Wilson released a 12” single on their label, Tulip Records, called Girls of Today. Frederica also released a song on Tulip Records, a cover single of the Everly Brothers classic hit, 'All I have to do is Dream,' set to a Reggae beat.

Now is a good time to include a few poignant words from Frederica herself:

'I can say that it was a pleasure and an honour to be Delroy Wilson's support artist for about 5 years- memories of us travelling around in great company and getting the best advice possible. It is a total privilege to be bringing him back in this way for me. It really does mean a lot and I'm looking forward to the tour, bringing him back musically. I'll say again, it really does mean a lot to me.'

Winsome Moncrieffe Mitchell (Left) Frederica Tibbs (Right)

Let's get a little more insight into Dean's musical background.

Dean has been involved with music since the end of the 60’s and the first artists he worked with were a band called Night Special, who travelled all around the UK and abroad. Dean has worked with many notable people including Nicky Thomas, famous for his hit song Love of the Common People and Tito Simon who sang the very upbeat track This Monday Morning Feeling.

Skipping ahead to 1977, Dean worked with Reggae/Ska musician Judge Dread and his backing band the Dreadnoughts who named themselves very aptly but after a submarine! The Dreadnoughts sound was pretty awesome being a 10 piece band- a 5 piece backing band with a 5 piece horn section. Horns of course really elevate any genre of live music. Both Dean and the Dreadnoughts also worked with one of  Reggae's greatest names, Desmond Dekker- I still remember my Mother's reaction to The Israelites. She almost danced round the supermarket and probably wasn't the only one! While involved with Desmond Dekker and Judge Dread, Dean was simultaneously working with Mac Kisson, Sugar Candy Kisses. Dean and Judge Dread's working relationship lasted from 1977-1985. Dean recorded an album with Judge Dread for EMI and after that acted as an agent for him, booking shows. In addition, Annon and the Toppicks backed Desmond Dekker from mid-late '70's, touring with him all over Europe and across the U.K.  

Crosswell Annon (Top Left) with Desmond Dekker and the Toppicks

Returning to Delroy Wilson's live shows, Delroy appeared on Club Mix, London Weekend TV a few times between 1984-1985. Smiley Culture hosted the show which featured all the leading Reggae artists of the day including Maxi-Priest, Tippa Irie and Tiger from Jamaica. Club Mix was a music show dressed to look like a little club scene. The set included tables and there were always a few people on the dance floor. On one occasion when Delroy performed at Club Mix, Mary Wilson of the Supremes was the special guest.

Sadly, Delroy died unexpectedly in 1994 of Cirrhosis of the Liver. This was a huge loss to many,especially as his music reached far and wide. John Missouri, a notable journalist wrote a book about Peter Tosh and included references to Delroy Wilson's work due to its significant impact.

Little Roy (Top) and MoMo Watts

Dean had been a friend to Delroy right up to his passing and I asked why he felt it was so important to create a tribute tour in honour of him. Dean replied that he considered Delroy highly under-rated and really wanted to celebrate his life and music. Dean added that Delroy was a really good person and everybody liked him. We discussed the form the tribute was going to take and I am pleased to say that as opposed to having tribute acts, artists who knew Delroy or have been influenced by his work will be presenting his songs in their own styles which makes for a far more emotive occasion. Finally, I will add that Devon Morgan is a highly entertaining MC who will do a great job, having had the pleasure of meeting him a few times previously.

Donna Michael

Event Details:

On Saturday 15th October

At Pheonix Community Centre, 66 Westow Street, Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF

Along with Little Roy, Frederica Tibbs, Donna Michael, Momo Watts of The Chosen Few and Winsome Moncrieffe Mitchell

Music: Cabbage Man & Smiley B

MC: Devon Morgan

Doors: 6PM - 00.30AM

Tickets: Eventbrite

Hotline: 07398 048 244

www.delroywilsonofficialtribute.com

Dean is very kindly offering a special prize of two tickets to this event, details on Delroy Wilson Tribute Page. Make sure to check in regularly for future tour dates.

Jaz McKenzie~ The Word Magician

Over to you!!! Do you have a great story to tell? What have you overcome and how? Are you organizing an event that you’d love to share? Have you written an article, poem or short story you would like featured? If so, please contact me with brief info via my Facebook Groups and I will get back to you: 

Its Braap  What'sUp Jaz