Jamaica, the birthplace of musical legends such as Bob Marley, King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Desmond Dekker, Peter Tosh and many more (listing them all would probably be another post for another day). For many people, it’s synonymous with reggae music thanks to Marley and co. and with it, the nucleus of this well-deserved fame is its capital, Kingston. On Orange Street (known as Beat Street to the locals), at the boundary between downtown and uptown Kingston lies a rich musical history, steeped in nostalgia.
The record stores and music studios that popped up during the 50s and 60s turned it into a Jamaican Beverly Hills for musicians and music lovers alike. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry had auditions at the corner of Orange and Beeston Street, not far from the childhood home of another (then-future) reggae star, Dennis Brown.
In its heyday, it was the place to be. Alas, as time and technology moved on, along with economic changes, its former glory was just that: former. All that really remains is Rockers International and Sevens Clash decided to visit and photograph what was left of a vibrant dynasty in Jamaican and Caribbean music.
You can read the rest of the article here and take a look at some of the photos below.
If it wasn’t for the heavy static of the badly damaged record or the Usain Bolt newspaper clippings on the door tethering me to the present era, I’d be time traveling.
