The World of Reggae Music Collection–UB40 Reggae: The Original Versions

In this section of the World of Reggae Music Collection the selector explores the influence and influences of Ub40. This particular edition focuses on the original reggae bands and musicians that UB40 covered. The boys from Birmingham, England made reggae music popular from the European continent to the backfields of north Texas. And more importantly it made inquisitive listeners follow the tracks back to their original performers. The first time many people heard “Johnny Too Bad” and “Cherry Oh Baby” was on the album Labour Of Love, the same album that featured the hit single “Red Red Wine.” Music fans around the world followed many of these tracks back to their Jamaican roots. In the stacks of records they found the amazing sounds of The Slickers, The Melodians, John Holt, Lord Creator, and Eric Donaldson. Ub40 turned many of these delightful tracks into electric 80s pop music for the masses. Albeit “Red Red Wine” is a Neil Diamond song, Jamaican artists like Tony Tribe had already made “Red Red Wine” wicked reggae music. Here in this list are the original reggae tracks from which UB40 found inspiration. From the reggae legends like Bob Marley and The Wailersand Jimmy Cliffto the more obscure artists like Boy Friday and Ken Parker, Ub40 reintroduced some of the greatest 60s and 70s reggae tunes to the modern world.

The Slickers – Johnny Too Bad

The Melodians – Sweet Sensation

Jimmy Cliff – Many Rivers To Cross

U-Roy & John Holt – Wear You To The Ball

Keith & Tex – Stop That Train

Ken Boothe – Just Another Girl

Tony Tribe – Red Red Wine

Ken Parker – Groovin’ Out on Life

Eric Donaldson – Cherry Oh Baby

John Holt – Stick By Me (And I’ll Stick By You)

The Kingstonians – Singer Man

Lord Creator – Kingston Town

Niney – Blood & Fire

Winston Groovy – Please Don’t Make Me Cry

Bob Marley & the Wailers – Keep On Moving

Ray Martell – She Caught the Train

Boy Friday – Version Girl

Ken Boothe – The Train Is Coming

The Melodians – It’s My Delight

The Ethiopians – Good Ambition

Max Romeo – Mr. Fix It

Ken Boothe – Crying Over You

Bob Marley & the Wailers – Soul Rebel

Bob Marley & the Wailers – Soul Rebel (Version 4)

Slim Smith – Time Has Come 

The Fabulous Flames – Holly Holy

Ken Boothe – Kingston Town

Eric Donaldson – The Way You Do the Things You Do

NEED

Tiger – Guilty

Jackie Robison – Homely Girl

John Holt – Here I Am (Come and Take Me)

Honeyboy – Impossible Love

Delano Stewart – Stay a Little Bit Longer

The Paragons – My Best Girl

Hopeton Lewis – Grooving Out On Life

Ken Boothe – Red Red Wine 

Johnny Clarke – Keep On Moving

Cornell Campbell – I’ll Never Let Go

Teddy Davis – Tears from my Eyes

Honeyboy – Sweet Cherry

Sonny Bradshaw – Singer Man