| Nora Dean | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1952 |
| Origin | Jamaica |
| Genres | Rocksteady, reggae, gospel |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | The Soulettes, The Ebony Sisters |
Nora Dean (born 1952)[1] is a Jamaican reggae singer, best known for her 1970 hit "Barbwire", who later recorded as a gospel artist.
Dean recorded as a member of The Soulettes (with Rita Marley) and The Ebony Sisters before recording as a solo artist. She recorded for Lee "Scratch" Perry, including the 1969 single "The Same Thing That You Gave to Daddy".[1] Dean had her first hit in 1970 for producer Byron Smith with "Barbwire", based on The Techniques' "You Don't Care".[2] She enjoyed further success with "Night Food Reggae".[2] She went on to record for Sonia Pottinger, Harry Mudie ("Let Me Tell You Boy"), and Bunny Lee, including a version of "Que Sera Sera", retitled "Kay Sarah".[2] She contributed backing vocals to Jimmy Cliff's 1973 album Unlimited. Dean moved to New York City in the mid-1970s, where she married. After several years away from music she returned in the 1980s, singing in a lovers rock style.[2] In the 1990s she began recording again, now concentrating on gospel music, releasing several albums in the years that followed.