Here is a list of reggae artists you probably didn’t know are musical siblings!
Trinity and Clint Eastwood
Reggae deejay and producer Trinity (born Wade Brammer) was the older brother of Clint Eastwood (born Robert Brammer), who also had a successful career as a deejay.
[They are pictured in the image above: Trinity on the left (pic from reggaecollector) and Clint Eastwood on the right (photo by Jean-Bernard-Sohiez)].
Dennis Brown and Leroy Clarke
Though not nearly as famous as his brother Dennis Brown, Leroy Clarke produced some singles for Crown Prince Of Reggae, including “Bless Us Now” and “Ready We Ready”. Leroy was also Dennis Brown’s manager.
Twinkle Brothers (Norman and Ralston Grant)
This Jamaican reggae band was formed in 1962 by brothers Norman (vocals, drums) and Ralston Grant (vocals, rhythm guitar). The Twinkle Brothers expanded with the addition of other members throughout the years, and is still active under Norman Grant’s lead.
Lacksley Castell and Trevor Castell
Lacksley Castell was one of the most talented and enigmatic singers that emerged from Kingston’s Waterhouse district in the late 1970s. His younger brother Trevor began recording in the early 1980s with producer Bunny Lee. His songs include Gypsy Lady and Mr Carpenter Man which were produced by Sugar Minott.
Musical Youth (Kelvin and Michael Grant)
This British-Jamaican reggae band was formed in 1979 in England. Two of its five members were brothers Kelvin (guitar and vocals) and Michael Grant (keyboards and vocals). Musical Youth is best remembered for the successful 1982 single “Pass the Dutchie”, which became a No. 1 hit around the world.
Sister Nancy and Brigadier Jerry
Sister Nancy (born Ophlin Russell) is famous for being the first female dancehall DJ. But did you know that her elder brother, Robert Russell, is the reggae deejay better known as Brigadier Jerry?
The Marley brothers & sisters
Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley had at least 11 children, many of which are reggae artists – including Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, Cedella, Damian, Sharon and Ziggy Marley. Four of them (Ziggy, Stephen, Sharon and Cedella) – had created a reggae group in 1979, called Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers.
Richie Spice, Pliers, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion
Do you know the Bonner brothers? Richell is known as Richie Spice; Everton is better known as Pliers (and for his collaborations with deejay Chaka Demus); Joseph’s stage name is Spanner Banner; while Glenroy Bonner is the youngest brother and known as Snatcha Lion.
Beenie Man and Little Kirk
Anthony Moses Davis is the Jamaican dancehall deejay better known by his stage name Beenie Man. His older brother, Kirk Davis (or Little Kirk) started his career as a reggae artist and is now more into R&B music.
The Barrett Brothers
Carlton and Aston Barrett began performing in the 1960s under the name The Soul Mates or the Rhythm Force and eventually The Hippy Boys, a line-up that featured Max Romeo on vocals. In 1969, the brothers joined The Wailers (later Known as Bob Marley and The Wailers) – Carlton as the drummer and Aston as the bass player.
George and Desmond Dekker
It’s generally thought that George and Desmond Dekker were half-brothers, although some have questioned this. Desmond is a famous ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter. His backing group – the Aces – itself consisted of a quartet of singing siblings: Clive, Barry, and Patrick Howard. George Agard, a.k.a. George Dekker, is a member of The Pioneers vocal trio.
Ian and Roger Lewis (Inner Circle)
Inner Circle is a Jamaican reggae band formed in 1968 by the brothers Ian Lewis and Roger Lewis along with other members. The Lewis brothers have remained the group’s consistent members, respectively playing bass and guitar.
Super Cat and Junior Cat
Born William Anthony Maragh, Super Cat is a Jamaican deejay who achieved widespread popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s dancehall movement. He is the elder brother of reggae artist Junior Cat (born Wayne Richard Maragh).
Red Dragon and Flourgon
Jamaican deejay and dancehall artist Leroy and Michael May are respectively known as Red Dragon and Flourgon. They released their debut album – a split LP between them – in 1989. While pursuing individual careers, they often performed together.
Morgan Heritage
This Jamaican reggae band was formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artist Denroy Morgan: Peter “Peetah” Morgan, Una Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan.
Ricky & Charlie Chaplin
Jamaican dancehall singer and deejay Charlie Chaplin (born Richard Patrick Bennett) also has a singing brother, the younger Ricky Chaplin (Wilfred Anthony Chambers).