For Bookings: contact Peter Wardle, Kings Music International
(510) 326-8445 or peter@kingsmusicintl.com
www.kingsmusicinternational.com
Don Carlos is a classic well loved international reggae artist with his Dub Vision band featuring a horn section and female vocals. Don Carlos’s strong catalog of songs are great listening music, healthy and clean for the young and old. His music appeals to people from all walks of life. His vinyl and CD’s spread out worldwide before everything went online. Don’s live shows are in great demand. He and his musicians regularly tour Africa, Europe, North America and South America. He also periodically works as a special guest with Slightly Stupid. From 1989 to 1994 Don was the lead vocalist for Black Uhuru during which time he toured and sang on four Black Uhuru albums – Now, Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. Don is also very popular in Africa. His show at the Kasarani Sports Grounds in Nairobi Kenya in 2010 made history drawing an estimated 150,000 people.
Don’s music is universal. He sings about peace and love, generosity and righteousness in day to day living. He doesn’t leave out thanking Jah for everything. “I love you but Jah loves you more”, he says. “Love Jah, and you will have everything – all wisdom.” Don has a big heart and a kind loving spirit. He is greatly loved by the people. Don should be a contender for the Guinness book of world records for the number of photographs taken of him. Everywhere he goes, people want to take his picture. Don always gives them a genuine smile.
BIOGRAPHY: DON CARLOS
Don Carlos (born Euvin Spencer) Legendary Reggae Artist was born and raised in one of the most deprived regions of Western Kingston, Jamaica, in a district notoriously known as Waterhouse, which incidentally is also a musical spawning ground for many of Reggae’s greatest ever talents, such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru, The Jays, Junior Reid and King Jammy, to name but a few. Don Carlos started his singing career in 1973 as one of the original members of Black Uhuru, alongside other founding members, Garth Dennis who later went on to joining the Wailing Souls, and Derrick Ducky Simpson. As part of the trio, Don sang lead on the highly acclaimed Love Crisis album, for producer Prince Jammy in 1977. This album was later re-released and re-titled as Black Sounds of Freedom. A year after the trio’s groundbreaking debut, Don Carlos decided to leave Black Uhuru in pursuit of a solo career. Within three years as a solo artist, developing his song writing and grooming his distinctive vocal style, in May 1981 Suffering was released. This strong release took the fraternity by storm, courtesy of a heavy roots and culture flavored showcase for the Negus Roots label. This album was a massive hit in Africa, selling unprecedented units. Unfortunately, the album was bootlegged, and Don never received proper royalties.
At this time, he worked alongside Goldie, his sidekick, co writer, and back up vocalist. Together they built a staunch following through touring the live circuit and releasing consistant albums including Harvest Time, Day to Day Living, Them Never Know A Natty Dread Have Credentials, all three issued in 1982, Spread Out 1982 also otherwise known as Laser Beam to which the majority of tracks in this set have been culled, Never Run Away 1984, Just a Passing Glance 1985 and more recently Seven Days a Week. Don’s partner, Gold was tragically shot and crippled, putting him out of the music business.
During the eighties dance hall mania, Don had five top ten hits between 1982 — 1985- Late Night Blues, Nice Time Tonight, Dice Cup, Hog & Goat, I’m Not Getting Crazy and Spread Out. Don is still churning out solid, melodic roots reggae. Other titles in his rich catalogue include Roots and Culture, Raving Tonight, Pure Gold, Spread Out, Plantation, Never Run Away, Slow Down Vol. 3, Rasta Brothers, Prophecy, Firehouse Clash, Deeply Concerned, Ease Up, Lazer Beam, Ras Portraits, Grove w/me, Head to Head, Jah Light, Live in San Francisco (2002), and Special Edition. There’s an old saying in the music industry that claims: What goes around, comes back around. In Dons’ case, a request for reinstatement to his former role as lead vocalist for a rejuvenated Black Uhuru reunion resulted in another strong Black Uhuru album — Now. 1990 marked the reunion of the original vocal trio with Don, Garth and Duckie. After six years- 1989-1994- and four albums, singing lead for Black Uhuru in the studio, and on the road, Don again went back to his solo career. His other titles with Black Uhuru include Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. All of these four albums are classics with Don up front on lead vocals.
After the Black Uhuru stretch, Don joined forces with the California based Reggae Angels, who backed him for four years. These musicians formed the core players for his own band Dub Vision. Don has been touring successfully with this band in Europe, South America, Hawaii, and the western US. Don’s popularity keeps growing, so he is now one of the most sought after roots reggae artists in the business.
Thank you,
Peter Wardle | Kings Music International
Office: (510) 653-4069
Cell: (510) 326-8445
Fax: (510) 653-5083