|
|
When
I was A Boy
I was born and raised in Kingston Jamaica.
We lived five minutes away from "Studio
One", the first Recording Studio ever operated
in Jamaica. My sister and I had to walk past
this studio twice a day on our way to and from
school. We would have to take the bus from Cross
Roads to Half-Way-Tree. On our daily journey
we would notice a long line of musicians
and singers hoping to be noticed and perhaps
get their "big break" There were all
sorts of people hanging around, some were ligitimate
others were only looking for an easy victim
to rob. One day, while on our usual trip past
"Studio One", I felt a hard, sharp
implement pushing into my side, I was to be
the next victim, the object was a knife and
the holder was after my lunch money. This was
not a rare occurance, we were frequently parted
from our money. Imagine not having any money
to get on the bus and having to walk to and
from school. Also imagine being at school all
day with nothing to eat or drink because some
criminal took your money. On one occasion we
even got punished by my mother because we got
home late as we had to walk home. Later on in
life I realized that these people were poor
and probably hungry. The phrase "starving
artist" comes to mind, they would stand
in the hot Jamaican sun with no food or water
waiting to get their chance at the big life.
Those who were noticed would sell their song
to Studio One for ten pounds, and even if that
song became a hit record that was all they got!
As time went on I became well known among the
artists and the people at Studio One, this spared
me from further robberies and I was allowed
to walk in peace. Studio One was owned by the
Coxsone,family and Mother Coxsone, soon noticed
me. She would give me "test pressings"
which were warped and of no use to them. I would
hurry home to play them. This was the beginning
of my love for and facination with music and
the music business. After twentysix years in
the music business I am able to understand the
hardships those artists faced. It was even more
difficult for these pioneers as there were no
other studios to go to. They had no choice but
to stand and wait and take whatever price was
offered for. their work. |
|
/p> |
|
bravenet.com
