THE HEPTONES A TRENCH TOWN EXPERIENCE
MICHAEL
Michael Black Winston was born in
Michael is Gemini and he started in the music business singing with
his friend ‘Purchase Brown.’ They sang at various community shows, the Queen’s
Theatre and on the renowned Vere John’s Opportunity Hour concerts. Later came
along another friend and trio ‘The Thrillers’ was born.
‘’We
recorded three songs but the chemistry was not right so
we disbanded and I went solo.’’ He said
smiling as he remember Slim Smith who at the time was his favourite singer, the
singer of his choice because he admired
his ability of making each melody his own with his rich, piercing falsetto.
The Heptones was his favourite group,
Every song resonated with his very being. ‘’…And now I’m a part of this
fantastic group, respect to Robert Dacres and Earl Morgan.’’
The future looks very bright for the new Heptones. Their first
appearance, which was at JAVAA’S Christmas Party in Dec.08 was a resounding success.
This led to many more engagements and as they continue to do what they do best,
which is record the tracks for their latest album, the energy is tremendous.
Michael as he is affectionately called, is ready for
the world to take note of his untapped talent.
EARL MORGAN
Earl Morgan, founder of The Heptones singing group.
Born under the sign of Sagittarius he grew up in Trench Town and is
most proud of that fast He attended Kingston Senior School with other
entertainers such as; Slim Smith, David Isaacs, Derrick Morgan, Jimmy Riley,
Winton Riley, Carl Dawkins, The Aces of Desmond Decker and the Aces fame.
It wasn’t easy growing up because of financial restraints but fuels
by listening intensely to the radio, Earl entered the business and eliminated
the poverty and other negative thoughts.
He formed his first group ‘’Earl Morgan and The Swinging Squirrels.’’ Then ‘’The Silastians’’ and then the historic
‘’Heptones.’’ Some who were a part of and used to jam with The Heptones are;
Ernest Wilson, Glen Adams, Al Campbell, Leroy Sibbles, Barrington Llewellyn,
Naggo Morris. Sixty Album and Five Hundred 45’s followed, they also did
background vocals for most of the big name s in the reggae business.
Earl, a talented songwriter, has participated in most of The
Heptones work and is responsible for the Anthem ‘’Pretty Looks Isn’t All’’
which is a satirize explanation of a real situation. This energy is now
transferred to the new Heptones and with the blessings of his peers such as;
Stranger Cole, Alton Ellis, [now looking down with a smile on his face], Sugar
Minott, Ken Boothe, Tappa Zukie, Bunny Brown, Winston Blake, Bunny Lee, Black
Beard, DJ Trinity, Patrick Andy,Tristan Palma,Tinga
Stewart, the Mighty Diamonds, Bagga Case and Prince Jazzbo, this energy will
linger for a long while yet.’’There are no obstacles that can stand in the way of
true voices, so watch it The Heptones will rise again ,’’ reiterated the living
legend.
ROBERT DACRES
Robert Dacres was born a Capricorn, He grew up in
He loves to listen to the Jamaican reggae group and was inspired by
the harmonies of the Mighty Diamonds, Wailing Souls and The Heptones.
Barrington Levy is his favourite male vocalist who incidentally is his cousin.
As the ‘bug’ for the music business developed, Robert started
hanging out at various studios. This became a part of his plan in becoming a
star.Dynamic Sounds, Federal, Tuff Gong, King Tubbys and King Jammys were his
stomping ground.
His first record was ‘Nicest Girl’ in 1983 for Sugar Minott’s Youth
Promotion records. He never looked back and now has over 30 songs recorded for
various producers. ‘’I then realized that there was something missing, I did
not find stability and harmony, but, now the new Heptones has offered me all of
this and more. With Earl Morgan and Michael Black my future seems clear and
another page in the book of music history has come to life.’’
That’s where it’s at and where it’s gonna be