Johnny Clarke: The Unsung Hero of Jamaican music

Johnny Clarke has influenced Jamaican music for decades. While not widely known outside Jamaica, he was among the island’s top reggae artists in the 1970s, influencing future stars like Sugar Minott.

Born in Bull Bay, Jamaica, in 1955, Johnny Clarke discovered his love for singing in church as a boy. He initially put aside musical ambitions to finish his education, taking a clerical job after leaving school at 16.

Inspired by his brother Eric, Clarke recorded his debut single, “God Made the Sea and Sun,” in 1972 for Clancy Eccles, followed by “Everyday Wondering” in 1973 for Rupie Edwards, despite not being credited on the record.

In an interview with reggaeville.com, Johnny Clarke explained how he left Rupie Edwards and started working with Bunny Lee:

“I was with Rupie singing all those songs but he didn’t give me the promotion. Rupie had his label Success but when you look on the record you didn’t see any name like Johnny Clarke. He never put my name on it. So I was still searching to move same way until there were better men around. Because as they say “good better best”. So I still had more to go. More to do.

So the song Wondering, Bunny went to England and heard it was having a bounce. People were talking about my name “This young youth Johnny Clarke” so he came back to Jamaica and decided to search for me. He came and saw me at Idlers Rest, him and this guy named Blackbeard. He said “Bwoy, Johnny Clarke, the people in England love you because they hear this tune on your riddim with Rupie Edwards”.

Clarke’s major success began with producer Bunny Lee between 1974 and 1976, creating several influential roots reggae albums and fiery roots tracks with the help of King Tubby and Prince Jammy.

“None Shall Escape” was an instant hit in Jamaica, featuring the famous track “None Shall Escape the Judgement.”

Clarke released multiple successful albums during this period, including “I’m Gonna Put It On” (1975) and “No Woman No Cry” (1976), the latter featuring a hit cover of Bob Marley‘s song.

His versatility was evident as he smoothly transitioned between love songs and heavy roots material.

In 1976, Clarke’s “Rockers Time Now,” released on Virgin Records, showcased Lee’s innovative “flying cymbals” production approach and featured popular dubs mixed by King Tubby.

A split with Lee in the late ’70s led Clarke to collaborate with other producers like Mad Professor, resulting in the 1983 “Yard Style LP.”

Moving towards dancehall, he released albums like “Think About It” (1988) and “Rock with Me” (1995), embracing digital dancehall rhythms.

Johnny Clarke continues to record and perform into his sixties, consistently reaching new audiences.

His enduring impact on reggae and dancehall remains, cementing his legacy as a quiet yet powerful force in Jamaican music.

Sources:
Johnny Clarke Biography by Fred Thomas and by Dave Hendley
Interview by Angus Taylor on reggaeville.com

Photo credits:
Cover photo by PR / bournemouthecho.co.uk
reggae-vibes.com