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Linton Kwesi Johnson

Linton Kwesi Johnson (aka LKJ) (born in Jamaica, 24 August 1952) is a UK-based dub poet. In 2002 he became the second living poet, and the only black poet, to be published in the Penguin Modern Classics series.
The Music and Legacy of Linton Kwesi Johnson
As music lovers, we all have that one artist we idolize because their music resonates within us. For me, Linton Kwesi Johnson is that artist. The Jamaican-British musician and poet is known for his captivating lyrics, his social and political commentary, and his advocacy for the Black community. In this blog post, we'll delve into the journey of Linton Kwesi Johnson, his musical biography, the best songs, his unique music genre, and a few famous concerts. Additionally, we'll touch on a critique of the artist's music.
Linton Kwesi Johnson was born on August 24, 1952, in Chapelton, Jamaica, and moved to London when he was 11 years old. He started listening to music at a young age, and his love for it drove him to write his own songs and poetry when he was in his teens. Johnson's music reflects his experiences living as a Black man in Britain during a time of racial turmoil, civil unrest, and police brutality. His first album, Dread Beat an' Blood, released in 1978, is a testament to this.
Linton Kwesi Johnson's music genre was not typical. He is referred to as the 'Dub Poet', where he recites his poems over reggae rhythms. He also collaborates with reggae musicians, most notably, Dennis Bovell. Johnson's music style blends elements of reggae, ska, and dub, spreading a powerful social message with every song he creates. Some of his most iconic and meaningful music pieces include Inglan Is A Bitch, Sonny's Lettah, Five Nights of Bleeding, and Di Great Insohreckshan.
Johnson's musical legacy still influences today's generation of musicians across the world. During the 1980s, he set up the record label LKJ Records, which provided a platform for other artists to express their own experiences, particularly marginalised Black voices. Alongside this, Johnson was involved in political activism through the Rastafarian movement, supporting South African anti-apartheid groups, and protesting police brutality.
One of the most memorable performances of Johnson was his one-man show at the Royal Court Theatre in London, in 1981. He recited his poems accompanied by a reggae band, captivating his audience with his powerful lyrics and stirring voice. It was a show that'll stick with me forever. Beyond the performances, in 2002, Johnson was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government for his exceptional contribution to Jamaica, Jamaican music, and poetry.
Reviewing Linton Kwesi Johnson's music, the music critics have stated that his music was a mix of poetry and music. His political and social message was significant, representing how the Black people of Britain were feeling during his time, being oppressed and marginalized in the country they called home. The critics also concluded that the music was not for everyone, but the setting he created with his work was the most defining factor in his songs.
In conclusion, Linton Kwesi Johnson and his music have had a significant impact on the music industry, politics, and society. His powerful lyrics, delivered over reggae rhythms, remain thought-provoking and inspiring years after their release, influencing even the new generation of musicians. Johnson's legacy lives on through his music and activism, providing hope and a voice for the voiceless. He remains an icon in the reggae music industry, as a poet, an advocate for racial justice, and a powerful contributor to modern-day music.
In conclusion, Linton Kwesi Johnson and his music have had a significant impact on the music industry, politics, and society. His powerful lyrics, delivered over reggae rhythms, remain thought-provoking and inspiring years after their release, influencing even the new generation of musicians. Johnson's legacy lives on through his music and activism, providing hope and a voice for the voiceless. He remains an icon in the reggae music industry, as a poet, an advocate for racial justice, and a powerful contributor to modern-day music.

LISTEN THE BEST LINTON KWESI JOHNSON SONGS IN STREAMING

2022-11-01

The Musical Biography of Linton Kwesi Johnson

Linton Kwesi Johnson is a Jamaican-born British poet, performer, and writer who has had a tremendous impact on the music scene. His unique fusion of poetry and reggae music created a new genre known as Dub Poetry, which has influenced several musical acts such as The Streets and The Roots. This article will detail his early years, his most famous albums, and his most iconic songs.

Johnson was born on August 24, 1952, in Chapelton, Jamaica. He moved to London in 1963, and it wasn't long before he started writing poetry and performing at local events. His poetry was influenced by the civil rights movement in the United States, and he used his words to highlight the struggles of the black working-class community in the UK. His poetry was published in various literary journals, and in 1977, he released his first album, Dread Beat An' Blood.

Dread Beat An' Blood is widely regarded as Linton Kwesi Johnson's masterpiece and introduced the world to Dub Poetry. The album explored themes of political corruption, social inequality, and racial discrimination. The music on the album was simple, yet powerful, with sparse rhythms and heavy basslines. Songs like Sonny's Lettah and Dread Beat An' Blood showcased Johnson's ability to blend poetry and music seamlessly.

Johnson's next album, Forces of Victory, released in 1979, continued to delve into themes of social injustice and inequality. However, the music on this album was much more polished and sophisticated, with complex rhythms and intricate melodies. Songs like Fite Dem Back and All Wi Doin Is Defendin showcased Johnson's ability to use his words to inspire and empower his listeners.

In the early '80s, Johnson signed with Island Records, and in 1985, he released Tings An' Times, which is a more personal album than his previous works. The album examines the struggles of immigrant life in the UK and explores themes of love, loss, and hope. The music on the album is a departure from his earlier works, with more experimental sounds and jazz-influenced rhythms. Songs like Loraine and Di Black Petty Booshwah showcase Johnson's growth as an artist and his willingness to take risks in his music.

Johnson continued to release albums throughout the '80s and '90s, but none were as influential as his earlier works. However, songs like Want Fi Goh Rave and Reggae Fi Dada still resonated with audiences and showcased Johnson's undeniable talent as a poet and performer.

In conclusion, Linton Kwesi Johnson is a musical pioneer who has had a profound impact on the world of music. His unique fusion of poetry and reggae music has created a new genre that has inspired countless artists. His early albums, Dread Beat An' Blood and Forces of Victory, are regarded as classics and showcase his ability to use his words to inspire and empower. Johnson's music has always had a message, and he continues to be an influential voice in the fight against social injustice and inequality.
Tag: Linton Kwesi Johnson, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF LINTON KWESI JOHNSON - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Iron Bar Dub
2 - Wicked Version
3 - Want Fi Goh Rave
4 - Inglan Is A Bitch
5 - It Noh Funny
6 - Fite Dem Back
7 - Sonny's Lettah (Anti-Sus Poem)
8 - Street 66
9 - Bass Culture
10 - Loraine
11 - Reality Poem
12 - Reggae Sounds
13 - Reality Dub
14 - Victorious Dub
15 - Reggae Fi Peach
16 - Time Come
17 - Peach Dub
18 - Five Nights Of Bleeding
19 - Bitch Dub
20 - Sonny's Lettah (anti-sus Poem)
21 - Dread Beat An' Blood
22 - Di Black Petty Booshwah
23 - Brain Smashing Dub
24 - Independent Intavenshan
25 - Song Of Blood
26 - Di Great Insohreckshan
27 - Two Sides Of Silence
28 - Reggae Fi Radni
29 - Forces Of Viktry
30 - Cultural Dub
31 - Making History
32 - All Wi Doin Is Defendin
33 - Shocking Dub
34 - Doun De Road
35 - Independant Intavenshan
36 - Sonny's Lettah
37 - It Dread Inna Inglan
38 - Reggae Fi Dada
39 - Command Counsel Dub
40 - Historic Dub
41 - Funny Dub
42 - It Dread Inna Inglan (for George Lindo)
43 - Story
44 - Defense Dub
45 - Want Fi Go Rave
46 - Man Free (for Darcus Howe)
47 - Peach 'dub'