Biography

One of the most innovative singers and producers to emerge from the reggae scene, Keith Hudson was born in Kingston, Jamaica on March 18, 1946. Keith produced his first hit with Ken Boothe called “Old Fashioned Way” in 1969. Despite no formal training in music, Keith showed a real knack for creating rhythms, and was soon producing hits for U Roy, John Holt and many others. In 1974, he created his first masterpiece, the progressive Flesh Of My Skin. This was followed in 1975 by Torch Of Freedom and Pick A Dub, one of the greatest dub albums. Too Expensive followed in 1976, a brilliant but misunderstood mood mix of reggae and disco. Stung by the criticism of Too Expensive, 1978’s epic Rasta Communication showed Keith fully embracing Rasta culture, both in music and message. He followed this album with From One Extreme To Another in 1979 and Playing It Cool in 1980, co-produced by Bronx legend “Bullwackie”, and then Steaming Jungle in 1982. In 1984, Keith recorded with the Barrett Brothers at Tuff Gong Studios in Jamaica, an album called Rebel Rasta, which was what Keith was at heart, both a rebel and a Rasta. Returning to New York, Keith fell gravely ill and died of cancer on November 14th, 1984. VP Records posthumously released his final album as Tuff Gong Encounter in 2015. Of his work, Keith said: "my music is inspired by my sense of black dignity and a desire for freedom of speech, freedom of movement and freedom of spirit.” ~ keithhudsonmusic.com