I
was born and raised in Kingston Jamaica. We lived five minutes away
from "Studio One", the first Recording Studio ever operated
in Jamaica. My sister and I had to walk past this studio twice a
day on our way to and from school. We would have to take the bus
from Cross Roads to Half-Way-Tree. On our daily journey we would
notice a long line of musicians and singers hoping to be noticed
and perhaps get their "big break" There were all sorts
of people hanging around, some were ligitimate others were only
looking for an easy victim to rob. One day, while on our usual trip
past "Studio One", I felt a hard, sharp implement pushing
into my side, I was to be the next victim, the object was a knife
and the holder was after my lunch money. This was not a rare occurance,
we were frequently parted from our money. Imagine not having any
money to get on the bus and having to walk to and from school. Also
imagine being at school all day with nothing to eat or drink because
some criminal took your money. On one occasion we even got punished
by my mother because we got home late as we had to walk home. Later
on in life I realized that these people were poor and probably hungry.
The phrase "starving artist" comes to mind, they would
stand in the hot Jamaican sun with no food or water waiting to get
their chance at the big life. Those who were noticed would sell
their song to Studio One for ten pounds, and even if that song became
a hit record that was all they got! As time went on I became well
known among the artists and the people at Studio One, this spared
me from further robberies and I was allowed to walk in peace. Studio
One was owned by the Coxsone,family and Mother Coxsone, soon noticed
me. She would give me "test pressings" which were warped
and of no use to them. I would hurry home to play them. This was
the beginning of my love for and facination with music and the music
business. After twentysix years in the music business I am able
to understand the hardships those artists faced. It was even more
difficult for these pioneers as there were no other studios to go
to. They had no choice but to stand and wait and take whatever price
was offered for. their work.
Posted By Tony Gits |
