DESCRIPTION:
Glenroy Washington is one of an elite group of singers who've not only kept Jamaica's vocal consciouss tradition alive during the dancehall era, but also significantly added to it by writing and performing new classics of their own.
Known as a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter, he started his musical career as a band/studio drummer in the early seventies as a singer for the rocksteady group Names and Faces, he later became the singer in several bands and learned to play drums under the guidance of the then drummer Joseph Hill from The Culture! When Hill left the drum band position, Washington filled the slot and became a singing drummer.
Evolved from humble beginnings, born from a poor family, hailing from the Jamaican parish of Clarendon, and being drummer before singing his breakthrough hit, Rockers Nuh Crackers, for producer Joe Gibbs back in 1976.
After leaving for Canada in the mid 80's, he toured with artists like Shinehead before making his comeback as a solo act during the early nineties.
Acclaimed for his soulful vocals and timeless songs, he recorded at studios in Hollywood and London under the watchful gaze of Danny Ray, as he stamps his unmistakable presence on a stunning selection of reggae roots and lovers material all of it written by Glen himself, and played by a topflight assortment of musicians, including Sly & Robbie, Jazwad, Mafia & Fluxy, Computer Paul and members of the Ruff Cutt and Ras Ites' bands.
In 1997 he released his debut album Brother To Brother, and so far has released 10 other albums.
Like most universally minded Jamaican artists raised on a steady diet of reggae, gospel and soul, he draws no distinction between love in its spiritual or secular forms. Both have their origins in the grace of Almighty Jah Rastafari and whilst his lyrics may sound utopian in places, they're rooted in the personal, affirmative action of someone who's had the courage to turn their life around, no matter the distractions or what others may say. On To Be Like Him, Glen admits to being "just another wayward traveller" before the blessings came, and such honesty is typical of how he bares his soul, both in the vocal and lyrical sense!