WRAG Radio Raggedy

Friday, October 11, 2013

Reggae: Glen Adams and The Bunny Lee All Stars -- "Cat Woman"


Adams first appeared as a member of a vocal group on Radio Jamaica's Opportunity Knocks show. His solo performance later on the same show opened the doors to cabaret shows and weekend performances in Kingston and St. Andrews.
He attracted the attention of Coxsone Dodd while rehearsing a song written by his sister Yvonne ( a popular singer), and in 1960 recorded that song  ("Wonder Thirst") at the Federal Recording Studio. The song wasn't "officially" released, though.
Throughout his career he teamed up with Ken Boothe as Ken and Glen, co-founded The Heptones and joined the Pioneers. From about 1967 he worked with Bunny Lee. 
"At a recording session in October 1968, when several musicians failed to turn up due to a dispute about payment for a previous session, Adams was asked to play piano, despite not being proficient on the instrument. Unhappy with the results, he switched instruments with organist Lloyd Charmers (although he had never played the organ before). He played organ on eight tracks in that session, which included Lester Sterling's "Bangarang" and Slim Smith's "Everybody Needs Love" and he has stuck with the instrument ever since, becoming a regular session player." (Wikipedia) 
He also worked with The Upsetters, Herman Chin Loy, and The Wailers before he ventured into R&B and Rap in the late 70's. 
Glen Adams died on 17 December 2010 at the University Hospital of the West Indies after falling ill while visiting Jamaica.


If you love your reggae with a lot of hammond organ, this song is just for you.


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