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We've updated it, added a couple of new images and are interested to hear from anyone with stories or anecdotes of working with Anthony in the past. You can forward them to bimble@freeradicalsounds.com Born and raised in Trench Town Jamaica, Singer and international roots reggae recording artist Anthony Johnson first came to prominence as one of the vocal trio Mystic Eyes, whose tune "Perilous Times" ( released as a 12" by Greensleeves in the UK ) was a massive roots hit in the late 1970's. As a solo artist, he was soon found amongst the company of such esteemed producers as Jah Thomas, Linval Thompson and Prince Jammys, who all released classic songs from him, usually backed by the Roots Radics and High Times bands. It was Jah Thomas who produced Anthony's dancehall tour-de force "Gunshot" which was an international dancehall smash (released on the Greensleeves label in the UK). This track has reappeared as a sound system dubplate called "Soundclash", which any sound system worth their salt has in their dubplate selection box . ( Rough Guide To Reggae - "Anthony Johnson’s ‘Gun Shot’ of 1982, one of the many warnings of the time to the gun happy youth, delivered over an aggressive Roots Radics rhythm" ) Other hits from Anthony Johnson include "Dancehall Vibes", an early digital monster from Jammys (plus a pre-digital album A Yah We Deh); "Life Is Not Easy", "Africa" and "Know The Truth" for Linval Thompson; and others like "Woman Woman", "Reggae Feelings", "She Affi Come a Me", "Sitting in the Park", and many more.
Anthony relocated to London in the 1980s and studio wise was quiet for a while. Recently however, he has recorded songs with Jah Warrior, Rootsman and on his fellow Channel One veteran and bredren Mike Brooks ‘Teams' label. Included in these cuts has been a killer update of his classic "Africa" recorded for ‘Jah Warrior’ on the ‘Declaration Of Rights’ rhythm and featured on the latest ( FRS003 ) release ‘Nu Shoots Inna Roots’. A crucial updating of his "Gunshot" anthem with Rootsman and also his most recent seven inch single ‘I’m The One’ which is already receiving a great response in the dance. Also checkout Anthony’s awe inspiring reworking of ‘Gunshot’ released on the ( FRS002 ) ‘Garage Dubs’ album This radical Two Step - Ragga - Garage reworking recorded with London based ‘Raggage’ producer ‘Charjan’ sets the floor alight every time and sees Anthony crossing over and reaching out to a new audience with his anti gun message of consciousness.
2001 saw Anthony gigging in both Germany ( with Rootsman ) and France ( with The Free Radical Sound System ). August 2001, was a particularly good month with storming appearances at both the Chiemsee Festival, Germany and the annual Meanwhile Gardens Festival in London. 2002 already promises to be a good year for Anthony Johnson with many shows and recording sessions already being lined up. February 2002 saw the first of many shows to promote the release of the 'Nu Shoots Inna Roots' compilation album released by Free Radical Sounds. Anthony accompanied FRS selectors and 'NU Shoots ' compilers Smart Monkey and Mr Bimble on a hand full of dates around the UK FRS selected the tunes, while Anthony lifted the gigs into vintage J.A style dances. Riding any riddim new or old that was thrown at him. Along the way a boom time was had by all with radio interviews, acoustic sets and much laughter included. Anyone wishing to book either Anthony Johnson, The Free Radical Sound System crew or any of the artists featured on 'Nu Shoots Inna Roots' ( FRS003 ), Garage Dubs ( FRS002 ) or Twenty First Century Ska ( FRS 001 ) should in the first instance contact :- Bimble +44 (0) 1273 580906
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This
profile was mercilessly pillaged from Rootsman's 