Ernest Ranglin

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Ernest Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin (born June 19, 1932 in Manchester, Jamaica) A pioneering force behind the rise of Caribbean music, guitar virtuoso Ernest Ranglin's session work at the famed Studio One helped give birth to the Ska phenomenon, which during the late 1950s began taking Jamaica by storm.

As a child, Ranglin played ukulele, then guitar in his teen years. While still in his teens he began performing live both locally and in the Bahamas, often in tandem with the young Monty Alexander. Charlie Christian was an early influence. In 1958, Chris Blackwell recorded a Ranglin single; it was the first Island Records release. Later recordings in the late 1950s and early 1960s are regarded as important in the early development of ska. In 1964, Ranglin, with Chris Blackwell and singer Millie Small recorded "My Boy Lollipop", the first Jamaican song to achieve international success.

He finally began attracting international notice in 1964 when he traveled to London to perform at Ronnie Scott's jazz club, so impressing its owner that he remained on as the venue's resident guitarist for the next nine months, backing numerous guest artists, as well as appearing on a classic recording of a Sonny Stitt/Dick Morrissey jam session in 1966. He also made a number of solo records for the fledgling Island label, as well as collaborating with Prince Buster. He soon returned to session work, arranging classics including the Melodians' majestic "Rivers of Babylon; " with his guitar leads on the Wailers' "It Hurts to Be Alone," he also laid the foundation for the rise of rockers reggae.

Though remaining perhaps best known for his jazz prowess, in the 1970s Ranglin toured with Jimmy Cliff. In 1973 he was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government for his contributions to music and continued touring and recording regularly throughout the decades to follow, most notably signing to Chris Blackwell's newly-formed Palm Pictures label to issue 1998's In Search of the Lost Riddim. The albums E.B. @ Noon and Modern Answers to Old Problems followed two years later. Grooving appeared in early 2001. Ranglin played on many classic recordings--performing with Jimmy Cliff, Monty Alexander, Prince Buster, The Skatalites, and others. Ranglin toured extensively with the Eric Dean's Orchestra, one of the top bands in the Caribbean.

Some credit Ranglin with the invention of the core style of guitar play (sometimes known as scratching) found in nearly all Ska music. He is surely one of the only musicians to blend jazz and reggae successfully.