Burning Spear, born 1948 as Winston Rodney, is one of the most brilliant and respected roots artists in Jamaica's history. Originally, Burning Spear was a duo (Rodney and Rupert Willington), later became a trio (Rodney, Willington and Delroy Hinds), and since 1976 (the year the trio split up) it is a synonym for Rodney as a solo artist.

It was Bob Marley who set Rodney off to Kingston and a fateful meeting with Studio One head Coxsone Dodd. Although the Wailers had departed the label three years earlier in 1966, Marley still believed that it was the best place for a new talent to start. Rodney took his advice, and soon released his debut-single "Door Peep" (1969) as a duo with Willington. Forming up with Hinds, they released a couple of singles on Studio One, and their first two albums "Studio One Presents Burning Spear" (1973) and "Rocking Time" (1974).

In 1975, they split up with Dodd and joined forces with producer Jack Ruby. They began recording their next album, accompanied by the Black Disciples, which resulted in the fabulous "Marcus Garvey" album. A true masterpiece, with a legacy so great that in later years many fans mistakenly became to believe it was Burning Spears' debut album. This album is not just one of the best reggae albums ever released, this is one of the most important albums ever.

Rodney's vocal talent is actually fairly minimal, but his intense passion overcame any deficiencies. The Black Disciples, a dozen of the island's best musicians, helped the vocal trio to bring their vast potential and musical vision to vinyl. The strongest tracks are "Marcus Garvey", "Slavery Days" and "The Invasion".

Up to now, Burning Spear has released a series of aproximately 20 albums, had a remarkable appearance in the famous movie "Rockers", is a regular guest at Reggae Sunsplash since 1978, has earned 5 Grammy nominations and finally garnered one Grammy for "Calling Rastafari" (1999). Congratulations, we love you Spear!

(Last edit: 2006, Jul 06, SB, Reggae-Shack)