Gladstone Anderson facts for kids

Gladstone Anderson (born June 18, 1934 – died December 3, 2015) was a very important Jamaican musician. People often called him "Gladdy". He played the piano, organ, and other keyboards, and he also sang.

Gladdy played a huge role in creating the sounds of ska and rocksteady music in Jamaica. He played on hundreds of songs as a studio musician. He also released his own music and led his band, Gladdy's All Stars. This band included talented musicians like Jackie Jackson on bass and Winston Grennan on drums.

As part of the Harry J All Stars, his band had a massive hit song called "The Liquidator" in 1969. Gladdy's music stayed popular even in the late 1970s. This was when roots reggae and dub became popular, focusing on spiritual messages.

Early Life and Career

Gladstone Anderson was born in Jones Town, Jamaica, in 1934. His uncle, Aubrey Adams, taught him how to play the piano at home. Aubrey was also a keyboard player and bandleader.

In the late 1950s, Gladdy became a well-known studio pianist. He started working for famous music producers like Duke Reid at his Treasure Isle studio. He also worked for Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and Leslie Kong.

Gladdy was a member of Lynn Taitt's band, The Jets. He played on many key ska and rocksteady recordings. He helped shape the sound of these music styles.

Naming Rocksteady

Gladdy is even said to have helped name "rocksteady" music! He used the term to describe Hopeton Lewis's song "Take it Easy." Gladdy had played on that recording himself.

He also played on other early rocksteady hits. These included Roy Shirley's "Hold Them" and Alton Ellis's "Girl I've Got a Date."

Gladdy's All Stars and Collaborations

Gladdy continued to work with producer Harry Mudie. His band, Gladdy's All Stars, often used different names when working with other producers. For example, they were called The Aggrovators with Bunny Lee. They also became The Upsetters when they worked with Lee "Scratch" Perry.

In the late 1960s, Gladdy found success as a singer. He teamed up with Stranger Cole as "Stranger and Gladdy." They released popular songs like "Just Like a River."

His first solo album, It May Sound Silly, came out in 1972. It became a best-seller in Jamaica. Gladdy kept working with Harry Mudie on special dub albums. These were called Harry Mudie Meet King Tubby's in Dub Conference.

His second solo album, Glady Unlimited, was released in 1977. In 1982, he released a vocal album called Sings Songs For Today and Tomorrow. Gladdy was also one of the keyboard players for the famous band Roots Radics.

Later Work and Legacy

Gladstone Anderson also worked as a music producer. His roots reggae songs were released on the Rite Sound label.

A part of Gladdy's song "Mad Mad Ivy" was used in Jay-Z's song "Already Home." This shows how his music influenced artists even years later.

Gladstone Anderson passed away on December 3, 2015, at the age of 81. He left behind a rich musical legacy.

Discography

• Glad Sounds (1968), Bigshot (Gladdy with Lynn Taitt & the Jets)
• It May Sound Silly (1972), Moodisc/Ashanti
• Glady Unlimited (1977), Moodisc
• Sings Songs For Today and Tomorrow (1982), Jahmani
• Radical Dub Session (1982), Solid Groove – credited to The Roots Radics Featuring Gladstone Anderson
• Don't Look Back (1985) Overheat
• Caribbean Breeze (1989) Overheat
• Get Closer (1989) NEC Avenue
• Peace Pipe Dub (1993) Seven Leaves
• Piano in Harmony (1994) Overheat
• Gladdy's Double Score(2010) Overheat

Compilations

• Forever Dub vol 1 (1994) Roots

With Herbie Mann

• Reggae (Atlantic, 1973)
• Surprises (Atlantic, 1973 [1976])
• Reggae II (Atlantic, 1973 [1976])