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Junior "One Blood" Reid is currently one of the worlds' most sought after singers, and it's not by chance. Junior got his initial inspiration from a tough upbringing in West Kingston's notorious Waterhouse district. It was there in the politically turbulent mid-'70's that he recorded his first-ever single "Know Myself" at age of 14 for the late Hugh Mundell; it was released in the U.K. by Greensleeves Records.
He then went on to form his own band, The Voice of Progress, and after a local hit with "Mini-Bus Driver" the group scored local success with an album of the same name.
The "young blood" was then commissioned by the great Sugar Minott to record a number of tunes on Minott's Youth Promotion Label that enjoyed considerable popularity with tracks such as "Human Nature," "A1 Lover" and the evergreen "See How Me Black See How Me Shine," an uplifting and proud statement that became an anthem to the
ghetto youth who Junior increasingly championed.
Moving on Junior transferred his talents to King Jammy's studio on St. Lucia Road where his fast-growing success rose yet another notch. "Boom Shacka Lacka" was his first UK hit and led to another exceptional album. After a number of fine singles - including "Youthman," "Bank Clerk," "Sufferation," "Give Thanks and Praises" and "Higgler Move" - his chance at a wider audience came with an offer to replace Michael Rose in the legendary Reggae group, Black Uhuru.
Always a strong follower of Black Uhuru and with a similar vocal style, Junior slipped into Rose's slot with ease and the collaboration on his first Uhuru album "Brutal" was well received by all. Two years and two albums later Junior's interest to produce material for himself drove him back into the solo arena and back to King Jammy's Studio where he recorded and released the album "Big Timer" in the early '90s.
Despite all the accolades, it has been speculated that he has not been highly favored by factions in his native country, Jamaica, which is the headquarters of Reggae music. Undeniably one of Jamaica's most talented singers, Junior Reid has for a longtime been seemingly forced to ply his trade in Europe and the United States, where he says he has always been more appreciated. Jamaican fans have hoped and prayed for many years to see Junior Reid on major Reggae shows, but for whatever the reason, fans have hoped in vain.
The last appearance Junior Reid made at Reggae Sumfest was 14 years ago! WDKX decided to reason with the singer, and he obliged. "Since I've been doing all these high profile collaborations with international superstars, Sumfest has called me, but I've told myself that I will not perform at Sumfest," a hurting Reid said.
Well, sometime during the course of 2007, the adage, "fortune favors the brave" proved to be a charm for Junior. "I have suffered much pain at the hands of my own people, but I held the faith."
He has held his head above the proverbial waters through his own record label, JR Records, through which he has been releasing his own music. The label also features his sons, Wada and Andrew Blood.
Today, Junior Reid is riding high with collaborations with international platinum selling rapper, The Game, with whom he did "One Blood." He recorded "Gangster" with another mainstream American rapper, Fabulous and since then has been featured in "This Is Why I'm Hot" with Mims, "No One" remix with Alicia Keys, and most recently, "Bad Boy" with DMX. Junior is also working on "Thanks For Looking Out" with Ruff Rider first-lady, Eve.
With his incisive, prophetic lyrics and unstinting support for the "ghetto man" cause, Junior Reid remains a roots artist of great power while maintaining an already burgeoning international reputation.
