| The Itals | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Reggae |
| Labels | Nighthawk, Rhythm Safari, RAS |
| Associated acts | The Westmorelites, The Tennors |
The Itals are a Jamaican reggae vocal group formed in 1976 by Alvin "Keith" Porter, Ronnie Davis, and Lloyd Ricketts (the latter two formerly of The Tennors),[1] all of whom had previously also recorded as solo artists.[2] All three had worked together in the late 1960s in The Westmorelites.[1] The group recorded several albums through the late 1970s and 1980s, with Ronnie Davis going on to a successful solo career. Their debut single, "In A Disya Time", is regarded as the group's finest work, and topped the Jamaican chart.[1][3] 1987's Rasta Philosophy was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Reggae Album.[1] The line-up has changed over the years, with former solo artist David Isaacs joining in 1987 when Ricketts was sentenced to a prison term, preventing him from travelling to the United States.[1][4] Davis left the group in 1994, and was replaced by Porter's daughter Kada.[1] The Itals continue to tour in 2009 in support of the newly released compilation of early works produced by Lloyd Campbell, with Davis, Isaacs and Kada joining Keith Porter. A brand new album is expected to be released this year entitled "Let Them Talk".
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