Bankie Banx
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With the release of his first Album Roots and Herbs in 1977, Bankie Banx pioneered reggae music in the Eastern Caribbean. Born Clement Ashley Banks to Marjorie and Victor Banks, Bankie became interested in music at a young age. He learned a few guitar chords from his older brothers at around age 8 and went on to make his first guitar at age 9.
Bankie's first number one hit in 1977 was "Prince of Darkeness" and followed that with several chart topping songs over the next few years, Bankie joined an elite fraternity. Bankie performed at Reggae Sunsplash in 1983 and again in 1992. He was featured during a live Sunsplash performance in the ground breaking reggae documentary "Cool Runnings." Following his success has Reggae Sunsplash 1983, Bankie and his band The Roots & Herbs toured extensively in the Caribbean before heading to Europe. Discord prior to the Europe trip caused the band to change form, and several founding members left the band including Ras B, Iwandai I and Irino. The band spent 3 year in Europe and garnered strong fan base while there. Bankie Banx and the Roots and Herbs disbanded in 1987 and many of the members returned to the Caribbean. Bankie returned to be with his family after the death of his younger sister.
Bankie continued his career in New York and worked with musicians including Junior Jazz, Robert Manos, Robert Mansfield. Bankie Banx and The New York Connection were regulars on the East Coast music scene and had strong followings in Boston, New York and New Hampshire. Bankie continued to return to Anguilla for annual performances and started the Moonsplash Music Festival in 1991.
Bankie has made several international television appearances including a recurring role on the Fox sitcom "Key West." Bankie has recorded with music legend Bob Dylan and has been featured on the soundtrack for the award winning independent film "Southie." During his career, Bankie has toured Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
Bankie's sound has been described as a cross between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, and his music a blend of folk, reggae, R&B and Jazz. Along the way he has opened for, hosted, headlined, or performed alongside just about every reggae act worth noting, and several other rock and country stars.
In 1991 Bankie launched the first annual Moonsplash Music Festival. Moonsplash has become one of the premier music festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and has featured internationally revered artists. Bankie also owns and runs his legendary beach bar and performance venue on Anguilla called The Dune Preserve. Artist who have appeared at the Dune Preserve include Jimmy Buffett, Rita Marley, Ritchie Havens, The Bacon Brothers, Black Uhuru, Freddie McGregor, Peter Setera, Third World, Culture, Marcia Griffith, Derek Morgan, Roots & Herbs, Buju Banton, Anthony B, Burning Spear, The Wailers and Toots and the Maytals, Benjy Myaz,Junior Jazz and Onaje Allan Gumbs.
In Summer 2005, Bankie started the Project Stingray music and arts education program on Anguilla. Bankie's fall tour of the U.S. supported awareness and raised funds for the Stingray Program. Through his fund raising efforts Bankie was able to donate 30 brand new guitars to the Stingray Program during the Cultural and Arts Fair at Moonsplash 2006. During a Jimmy Buffett charity event hosted by Bankie Banx at The Dune Preserve, Bankie raised over one hundred thousand for local charities.
