Delroy Wilson’s Life of Hits, Triumphs, and Musical Excellence
Delroy George Wilson CD was born on October 5, 1948 & passed away March 6, 1995) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer. Wilson is often regarded as Jamaica's first child star, having first found success as a teenager. His youngest son, Karl "Konan" Wilson, has found success as part of British duo Krept and Konan.
Marisa Walker
Delroy Wilson, a legendary Jamaican musician, began his recording career at the tender age of thirteen while still attending Boys Town Primary School. His talent caught the attention of record producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, who released Wilson's debut single "Emy Lou" in 1962. This marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Wilson and Coxsone, resulting in a series of ska hits that established him as Jamaica's first child star.
During his early years with Coxsone, Wilson delivered several notable ska tracks. One of the biggest hits was "Joe Liges," a Lee Perry-written song that took aim at rival producer Prince Buster, who was once employed by Dodd. Wilson followed up with another Perry-penned attack on Buster, titled "Spit in the Sky." These songs, along with others like "One Two Three," "I Shall Not Remove," and "Look Who Is Back Again" (a duet with Slim Smith), solidified Wilson's place in the ska scene.
As Wilson's voice matured, he transitioned from ska to rocksteady, a popular genre in the late 1960s. This period saw the release of numerous hits, including the iconic rocksteady record "Dancing Mood," "Jerk in Time" (featuring the Wailers), "Feel Good All Over," "I'm Not a King," "True Believer in Love," "Rain From the Skies," "Conquer Me," and "Riding for a Fall." One of his most celebrated tracks during this time was "Won't You Come Home," a duet with Ken Boothe, which became one of the most-versioned Jamaican songs ever.
After parting ways with Studio One, Wilson recorded for various labels, experiencing varying degrees of success. He even established his own short-lived W&C label. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Wilson found success with Bunny Lee, producing hits such as "This Old Heart of Mine," "Footsteps of Another Man," and "Better Must Come." His double A-side "It Hurts"/"Put Yourself in My Place" became a favorite among skinheads and narrowly missed chart success in the UK. Wilson also recorded a version of "Run Run" for maverick producer Keith Hudson.
In 1970, Wilson embarked on a UK tour and signed with Trojan Records. Two years later, his song "Better Must Come" was chosen as the campaign song for Michael Manley's People's National Party. The same year, he released "Cool Operator," which became his nickname and one of his most popular songs. Wilson continued collaborating with various producers in the years that followed, including Joe Gibbs, Gussie Clarke, Winston "Niney" Holness, Harry J, and Joseph Hoo Kim.
In 1976, Wilson's cover of The Wailers' "I'm Still Waiting," produced by Lloyd Charmers, gained immense popularity and crossover success. This was followed by the release of the critically acclaimed album "Sarge," considered one of his strongest works. Another notable achievement was the Bob Andy-produced track "The Last Thing on My Mind," which topped the charts in Jamaica. Although Wilson faced some challenges in the early 1980s, his career experienced a revival in the digital age with releases for King Jammy and Bunny Lee. New albums followed, but he gradually faded from the limelight due to declining health, leaving behind a lasting legacy through his earlier works.
Delroy Wilson's influence extended beyond Jamaica, garnering recognition from international artists. The Clash, in their 1978 punk rock garage band reggae fusion track "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais," paid homage to Wilson with the lyrics "Delroy Wilson, you're a cool operator."
Tragically, Wilson's life was cut short at the age of 46 on March 6, 1995, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. In 2013, the Jamaican Government posthumously awarded him the Order of Distinction for his significant contributions to the music industry.
In 2015, Wilson's childhood friend Everard "Jah Ruby" Metcalf released "The Delroy Wilson Story," an album featuring 21 cover versions of Wilson's timeless songs. This tribute album stands as a testament to Wilson's enduring impact on Jamaican music.
For more captivating stories and insights into Jamaica's vibrant music scene, visit Pure Jamaica Media at www.purejamaicamedia.com. Discover the rich history and cultural heritage that have shaped the island's musical landscape.
