Michael Prophet

Michael Prophet
Birth name Michael George Haynes
Born 1957 (age 57–58)
Origin Kingston, Jamaica
Genres Reggae
Instruments Vocals

Michael Prophet (born 1957, Kingston, Jamaica) is a roots reggae singer known for his "crying" tenor vocal style, whose recording career began in 1977.[1][2]

Biography

Prophet's first recordings were for producer Yabby You in 1977, debuting with the single "Praise You Jah Jah", which had actually been written five years earlier.[1] He cites Bob Andy as his main influence as a singer.[3] He had his first Jamaican hit with a version of The Heptones' "Fight It To The Top".[1] His 1980 album Serious Reasoning was released by Island Records in the United Kingdom, establishing his reputation internationally.[2] After working with Yabby You, he also recorded for Henry "Junjo" Lawes, adapting to the prevailing dancehall sound and having his biggest hit with "Gunman". During the first half of the 1980s he recorded for producers such as Don Mais, Al Campbell, Sugar Minott, Winston "Niney" Holness, and Winston Riley, cementing his status as one of Jamaica's most popular singers.[1] After living in Miami for a time, he moved to England, where he recorded "Your Love" which reached number one in the UK reggae chart in 1990.[1] It was followed in 1991 by the album Get Ready, which also sold well.[1]

Albums

Compilations

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Larkin, Colin (1998). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae. Virgin Books. ISBN 0-7535-0242-9.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Barrow, Steve; Dalton, Peter (1997). Reggae: The Rough Guide. Rough Guides. ISBN 1-85828-247-0.
  3. ↑ Peter I (February 2005). "Interview with Michael Prophet". Rebel Base. Retrieved 5 March 2008.

External links