Laurel Aitken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurel Aitken
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Performing in 2000
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lorenzo Aitken |
| Born | 22 April 1927 Havana, Cuba |
| Died | 17 July 2005 (aged 78) Leicester, England |
| Genres | Ska, rocksteady |
| Instruments | Vocalist |
Lorenzo "Laurel" Aitken (born April 22, 1927 – died July 17, 2005) was a very important singer from the Caribbean. He was one of the first artists to create ska music in Jamaica. Many people called him the "Godfather of Ska" because of his big influence.
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Career
Laurel Aitken was born in Cuba. His family had roots in both Cuba and Jamaica. In 1938, when he was 11, his family moved to Jamaica.
He started his career singing mento songs for tourists. These songs were a traditional Jamaican folk music style. He would sing for visitors arriving at Kingston Harbour. Soon, he became a popular performer in nightclubs.
His first songs were recorded in the late 1950s. They included mento tunes like "Nebuchnezer" and "Sweet Chariot." In 1958, his song "Boogie in My Bones" was one of the first Jamaican pop songs released in the United Kingdom. This helped Jamaican music reach a wider audience. He also recorded rhythm and blues (R&B) songs like "Low Down Dirty Girl."
In 1960, Aitken moved to London, England. He recorded many songs for the Blue Beat label. He went back to Jamaica in 1963 and worked with famous musicians like the Skatalites. They helped him record songs like "Zion."
Later, he returned to the UK and worked with Pama Records. He had big hits like "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants." These songs made him famous outside of Jamaica and the UK. He became known as one of the top ska artists. People started calling him The Godfather of Ska and Boss Skinhead.
Laurel Aitken had many fans. Not only people from the West Indies loved his music, but also mods and skinheads in the UK. He had hit songs throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. He recorded for many different record labels. Sometimes, his brother, Bobby Aitken, a guitarist, played on his songs. Laurel also made some fun "talk-over" songs as 'King Horror'. These included "Loch Ness Monster" and "Dracula, Prince of Darkness."
In 1970, Laurel Aitken moved to Leicester, England, with his wife. He continued to perform in nightclubs and restaurants. In the 1980s, ska music became popular again with the 2 Tone movement. Aitken had a hit song called "Rudi Got Married" in 1980. It reached number 60 on the UK charts.
Laurel Aitken's music career covered many styles. He sang mento, R&B, ska, rock steady, and reggae. In the 1990s, he even tried dancehall music. He kept performing concerts until he passed away in 2005 from a heart attack.
In 2007, a special blue plaque was placed on his home in Leicester. This plaque honors important people and their connection to a building. It shows how much he was loved and remembered. The punk band Rancid even covered his song "Everybody Suffering" in 2014.
Discography
Laurel Aitken released many albums and singles throughout his long career. His music covered different styles, from early Jamaican sounds to ska, rocksteady, and reggae. He was a very busy artist, always creating new music for his fans.
Albums
He released many albums, including:
- Ska With Laurel (1965)
- High Priest of Reggae (1969)
- Ringo The Gringo (1989)
- The Blue Beat Years (1996)
- Godfather of Ska (2000)
Singles
He also released a huge number of singles, such as:
- "Boogie In My Bones" (1960)
- "More Whisky" (1960)
- "Fire in Your Wire" (1969)
- "Landlords & Tenants" (1969)
- "Rudi Got Married" (1980)
Videos/DVDs
- Laurel Aitken And Friends – Live at Club Ska (2005) (DVD)
See also
In Spanish: Laurel Aitken para niños
