Judge Dread

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This article is about the British reggae artist. for the comic book character, see Judge Dredd

Alexander Minto Hughes (2 May 1945 - March 12, 1998), better known as Judge Dread, was an English reggae and ska artist.

1 Life and career
2 Quotes
3 Discography
4 Reference
5 External links

[edit] Life and career

Born in Kent, Judge Dread was the first White British recording artist to get a reggae hit in Jamaica. He got his stage name from a Prince Buster track, and his first hits were inspired by Buster's single, "Big Five".

The Guinness Book of World Records credits Judge Dread for having the most banned songs of all time. Many of his lyrics have sexual connotations, with one song "Big Five" using rhyme to suggest words whilst not actually saying them. A series of songs with "Big" followed by a number were some of his most notable hits, all of these featuring sex-obsessed but at the same time very humorous lyrics. His ability to write lyrics with rhyme, a sexually - themed message and at the same time make you laugh, is a very special one. It is unlikely that you will ever hear his music on the radio because of the nature of his lyrics.

Judge Dread died on stage in The Penny Theatre, Canterbury. At first, his collapse was thought to be part of his humorous and lively stage act, but it was quickly discovered that he was really dead.

He should not be confused with the comic book and movie character Judge Dredd. In the 1970s, tabloid newspapers expressed concerns that young fans of the comic character might buy the artist's records by mistake, and hear things that may corrupt their young minds.

[edit] Quotes

"Let's hear it for the band" (Dread's last words)
"I've never been unhappy. It's not about fame or money, it's about getting the most out of life." (1997)

[edit] Discography

"Big Six" (1972) - UK singles chart high - Number 11
"Big Seven" - (1972) - Number 8
"Big Eight" - (1973) - Number 14
"Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus" - (1975) - Number 9 - Dread's cover version of the original UK chart-topper by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin
"Big Ten" - (1975) - Number 14
"Christmas In Dreadland" / "Come Outside" - (1975) - Number 14
"The Winkle Man" - (1976) - Number 35
"Y Viva Suspenders" / "Confessions Of A Bouncer" - (1976) - Number 76
"5th Anniversary" (EP) - (1977) - Number 31 $
"Up With The Cock" / "Big Punk" - (1978) - Number 49
"Hokey Cokey" / "Jingle Bells" - (1978) - Number 8