Barry Biggs

The name Barry Biggs is often overlooked in discussions of great reggae acts of 1970s and to some extent in the 1980s. But Barrington Anthony Biggs was responsible for some of the most enjoyable smooth soul reggae of that period. His career at one stage was like a fairytale experience which every entertainer would dream of having, a dream come true. There are many artistes with far greater ratings and popularity who would love to have his musical credits. He has the enviable distinction of having four songs from his first album aptly titled, Mr Biggs, reaching the British charts with an additional two releases making the UK Singles Chart between 1976 and 81. To crown it all, one became a million-seller. As at the time of writing, he has ten CDs to his credits and his songs are featured on over 160 compilation CDs. Biggs' entry into the world of music came about rather fortuitously. It was while employed as a cameraman on the now defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), where his colleague and technical operator, the late Ossie Harvey, heard him singing one day and arranged a meeting with him and producer,Harry Johnson (Harry J), who was a friend of Harvey. By the next week I had a record on the road, Ma Cherie Amour, a cover of Stevie Wonder's hit song. That's the first record I ever did," recalled Biggs. The biggest hit for him so far, is Side Show, which sold a million and half copies in Europe. “The guy who wrote the song, Bobby Eli, is a very good friend of mine. He came down to Jamaica to meet me" said Barry Biggs, who has always been comfortable covering R&B classics. Biggs spoke glowingly of veteran bandleader Byron Lee, whom he said invited him to join the Dragonaires and made him an offer he could not refuse. "I give a lot of credit to Byron Lee. If it wasn't Byron Lee nobody would know about me," he said. "I produced a lot of people in the past. I'm among the first to produce Barrington Levy and the Jamaican Foxy Brown. Right now, I'm working on a new album titled, Barry Biggs:Here I Am Again. Working with me on the album, are Mikey Chung, Robbie Lyn, Willie Lindo, and Sly and Robbie. The single from the album will be called Baby Come Back. I performed on a lot of shows in Europe, but the last time I performed here, in Jamaica was about two years ago," Biggs told the Observer. By Basil Walters Observer staff reporter Sunday, January 28, 2007



Mr Biggs has played a major part in the 1st UK The Reggae Heritage Awards Presentation 2008, and has worked behind the scenes to make the event a success with the organizers Fluximus and Veereal of Music and Vision.



The event took place on the 28th June 08 at the Stratford Rex.



Here are some old friends and new that I met whilst visiting London for the 1st UK Reggae Heritage Awards 2008



The next show I will be performing on