Edi Fitzroy
b. Fitzroy Edwards
November 17,1955
Clarendon, Jamaica
Fitzroy, like many teenagers, followed the sound systems, in particular, a sound called Anchio One. After leaving school he started a career with the Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation working as an accounts clerk. With a colleague, in his spare time he would often sing over dubs and play them back using the radio station's equipment.
In 1975 Dread, Mikey was the station's top disc jockey, playing reggae on his Dread At The Controls Show, and he heard Fitzroy's demos. Fitzroy's first hit, "Miss Molly Colly', broke into the Jamaican Top 10 as the result of Dread"s patronage, and the follow-up, "Country Man', confirmed him as Dread"s protégé. The hits kept coming, including "African Religion", "Gun" and "Stylee", leading to a tour of the UK with Dread in 1980 supporting punk group the Clash (The).
On returning to Jamaica Fitzroy began working with other producers, firstly Lloyd Norris, with whom he recorded "Bad Boy", a minor hit when released in 1981. With Trevor Elliot of Musical Ambassador he recorded an album, and enjoyed a massive hit with "Check For You Once", followed by "Youth Man In Penitentiary" (when interviewed on the radio in Jamaica, he stated categorically that the song was not inspired by personal experience) and "Have You Ever". His success led to a performance at the 1984 Sunsplash Festival and his commitment to equality for women led to an appearance at Zinc Fence in Kingston on International Women's Day.
His commitment was evident in the hit "Princess Black', and he was also dubbed Jamaica"s most socially conscious singer. His follow-up, a reworking of "The Gun", enjoyed a prolonged stay on the chart, breaking all previous records for longevity. In the series of charity records to help the starving in Ethiopia, Fitzroy performed on Jamaica's contribution, "Land Of Africa". He provided the vocals alongside Isaacs, Gregory, McGregor, Freddie, Mutabaruka, Palmer, Triston, Rugs, Bunny, David Hinds and the I-Threes. The artists involved were determined to help to alleviate the situation and formed the Music Is Life organization to emphasize their commitment.
However, the single alone was regarded by the collective as an insufficient gesture towards relieving Africa's dilemma. Fitzroy became a co-director alongside Marley, Rita, Mowatt, Judy, Ibo Cooper and Orville Tyson, and between them, they established other projects. His recordings and Music Is Life commitments were undertaken alongside his career at JBC.
-- Courtesy (Encyclopedia of Popular Music) --
Edi Fitzroy was born Fitzroy Edwards on November 17,1955 in Chapelton, Clarendon; the son of a sound system operator Vasco Edwards and Kathleen Robinson. After leaving primary school he went to live in Witfield Town, Kingston with his mother and attended West Indies Commercial Institute where he studied Accounts.
1978
Exposed to music, and in particular local popular music from an early age; an association with Pam Hickling and Michael "Dread at the Control" Campbell led Edi to do his first set of recordings - Miss Molly and Countryman, both written by Hickling and African Religion. The Gun and Stylee followed. As a result of this exposure Edi traveled to London with Mikey Dread where he did opening acts for the 'The Clash' a British Rock Group.
A split with Mickey Dread followed shortly after their return to Jamaica, and after a "cool-out" break Edi began recording with the 'Musical Ambassador' Trevor Elliott, then of the Agency for Public Information (now Jamaica Information Service). This marked the renewal of a long- standing relationship with Elliott and artist/songwriter Pablo Aiken, then also of API.
1981
Edi's First album Check For You Once, produced by Trevor Elliott, was number one on the Jamaican Hit Parade (Albums) chart for four weeks. The album did well in England as an import and was rated the best album coming out of Jamaica at the time. The included such hits as Check for You Once, a number one single, Youthman Penitentiary, African Queen Work On Mr. Farmer, First Class Citizen, People Dem A Suffer among others. This Album was also released in the U.S. by Alligator Records under the title "Youthman Penitentiary".
1982
Edi received the Press Association of Jamaica Award in Recognition of his contribution to the development of local (Jamaican music).
1984
Edi received the Rockers Award for the Most Conscious Performer, after crowning the year with a tribute crowing to women, titled 'Princess Black'.
What must be regarded as the most significant Achievement of Edi's musical Career was the launching of his second album titled Coming Up Strong, a title which seems to emphasize the stage of his career. This album was started by the Musical Ambassador in 1982 before he left to reside in the US.
Some of the cuts featured in this album are JAH Sun, Sow Your Corn, Easy Ride, Love The People Want and Princess Black; done in typical Edi Fitzroy style. Also I must mention the tracks "Father" which displays a superb performance of vocals, and "Chant Them" which is quite mystical and enchanting.
The stages of unity that brought about the completion of this album would make an interesting chapter in Edi's life story. However, special mention must be made of Newton 'Sipho' Merritt, who came in at the most crucial part of the journey. Merritt had faith in the direction Edi was going, and eased the burden by taking some of the load, so that, in oneness the spirit of love prevailed in the long hard journey across the border.
1985
Edi visited England as a Reggae Ambassador, bringing Reggae for the first time within the walls of the Royal Festival Hall; home of European Classical Music situated on the south bank of the River Themes. He later played his part during the tour of England described by the music press as, 'The Magical Mystery Tour'.
Edie closed 1985 by winning the Rockers Video Award for 'Princess Black'.
1986/87
This period saw the release of 45s Death Trap, Easy Ride, Shame and Level Yu Vibes.
1988
Edi's third album, Eclipse was released in Europe, the US and then Jamaica. If an"Eclipse" means the passing of one time period and the birth of a new one then this album was aptly named. Dancehall Feel, Shout It Out, Lonely Woman, Hotel California and What a Trick are among the ten tracks on this Album. 'What A Trick' was the first single released from the album and it spent 23 weeks on the Jamaican Hit Parade. ECLIPSE was produced by Delroy Thompson and Carl 'Jacko' Thellwell. Later that year, Edi's third Albun "Pollution" was released on the Bromac Label.
1988-90
In 1988, 1989, 1990, Edi received the Award for the Most Culturally- Orientated Artist in the 7th, 8th and 9th Annual International Music Awards held in Miami, Chicago and Jamaica respectively.
1993
Edi's fourth album, Deep In Mi Culture on Henry K Label was released December 9, at the Bob Marley Museum, in Kingston, Jamaica.
Edi had made his impact in the music industry with his message songs of consciousness and Deep In Mi Culture does not betray this formula that has propelled him all these years. There are ten tracks on the Album witch includes Deep In Mi Culture, Love The People Want, Bounty Hunter, Revolution and Hunting.
Singles released from this Album prior to its release were Deep In Mi Culture and Love The People Want, together with a DJ style 45 - Bounty Hunter (with Papa San). Other singles released in 1993 were Don't You Worry and Mind Must Be Free (with Jack Radics)
1994-95
Edi toured the U.S. with the #1 Reggae backing band, Massawa. They performed at the Reggae on the River, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Reggae on the Beach, and toured the Pacific Northwest.
Singles released during this period on the Confidence Label (Edi's Label) were Prison Life, Border Line and Jamaican Girl.
In the summer of 1995 Edi did an extensive tour of the US East and West Coast.
1996/97
Single - Guiltiness by Edi and Cutty Ranks on the Digital B label was released in 1996.
Singles released from Edi's fifth album I Cry released in the summer of 1999, were Oh Jah, I Cry and Africa Is Calling (with Frankie Paul) which was Number Two on the Top 40 Chart (RJR Radio) during March of 1996.
Other Singles released were Mr. Bossman and Live Upright on Jack Scorpio Label. I Love You my Dear - Brick Wall Label (Bobby Digital).
Edi worked on an Album There Is A Fire for K.C. Whyte- 7Star, and another with the Masawa Band out of California.
Singles released during this period were Trickster, Not Giving Up, So Tough Luck, and Johnny and a remix of Princess Black (with Sizzla) all on the Bobby Digital Label.
1998
Edi toured North America with Mawasa and Overstand Bands.
Early in the year Edi toured the U.S. West Coast and did a number of shows in California, Seattle, Philadelphia and San Diego.
Edi released a single; Dreadlocks Can't Live In A Tenement Yard, a remake of the 1970 song by the legendary Jacob 'Killer' Miller. This was produced by Goldfinger.
1999
Singles released that year were, Bury The Guns, and I Love You on the African Museum Label. "Togetherness" an Album in the works by Gregory Isaacks and Edi, to be released sometime in 2001.
The veteran roots and culture singer has added another dimension to his artistic prowess. He is the host and creator of the radio show "Cultural Explosion" aired on Roots FM 96.1 Kingston, Jamaica on Wednesdays from 12:00noon to 3:00 PM.
2000
Edi visited The Gambia, West Africa during June 23 to 30. He attended and performed at the Roots Homecoming Festival.
Edi's Sixth Album released to date We A Lion, produced by Whitfield 'Witty' Henry and launched on November 29, at the Tropics Club in New Kingston, Jamaica. The Album opens with a spiritual chant "Mount Zion" giving praises to the almighty.
"We A lion" displays a conscious, explosive and energetic Edi Fitzroy. This CD really rocks.
2001
Edi's latest CD is titled "First Class Citizen". It is a compilation of most of his early works with the Musical Ambassador, Trevor Elliott. The materials were digitally remixed at Digital B, Black Scorpio in Kingston, Jamaica and Mirror Image in Gainesville, Florida.
The CD revives such favorites as Check For You Once, Youthman Penitentiary, First Class Citizen, African Queen, Work On Mr. Farmer and The Gun. Edi was instrumental in getting this project completed, because of the constant request from fans the world over for his early materials.
The title, First Class Citizen is a fitting tribute to this stage of Edi's career. He is finally reaping the rewards and getting the recognition after many years of hard work.
-- Courtesy (Max & Carlos Culture) -- |
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