March 9th: Today’s Feature

March

Lorenzo "Laurel" Aitken, born on 22 April 1927 and passing away on 17 July 2005, was a renowned Cuban-Jamaican singer who played a significant role in shaping the ska music genre. Known as the "Godfather of Ska," Aitken's influence and contributions to the music industry are widely recognised and celebrated.

Aitken's career began in Cuba, where he was born to parents of mixed Cuban and Jamaican heritage. In 1938, his family relocated to Jamaica, setting the stage for his musical journey. Initially, Aitken worked for the Jamaican Tourist Board, entertaining visitors with mento songs at Kingston Harbour before transitioning to become a popular nightclub performer.

The late 1950s marked the start of Aitken's recording career, with his early works featuring mento tunes like "Nebuchnezer," "Sweet Chariot" (a rendition of the gospel classic "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"), and "Baba Kill Me Goat." Notably, his 1958 single "Boogie in My Bones"/"Little Sheila" was among the pioneering records produced by Chris Blackwell and the first Jamaican popular music release in the United Kingdom.

Throughout his career, Aitken continued to produce a range of Jamaican rhythm and blues-oriented singles, including hits like "Low Down Dirty Girl" and "More Whisky," both of which were produced by Duke Reid. Aitken's musical legacy lives on, with his innovative sound and distinctive style leaving an indelible mark on the ska music landscape.

Aitken moved to Brixton, London, in 1960 and recorded for the Blue Beat label, releasing fifteen singles before returning to Jamaica in 1963. He recorded for Duke Reid, with backing from the Skatalites on tracks such as "Zion" and "Weary Wanderer", before returning to the UK, where he began working with Pama Records. He recorded hits such as "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants", which led to a wider recognition outside of Jamaica and the UK.

Aitken relocated to Brixton, London, in 1960 and made music for the Blue Beat label, releasing a total of fifteen singles before heading back to Jamaica in 1963. He collaborated with Duke Reid, with the Skatalites providing backing on tracks like "Zion" and "Weary Wanderer", before returning to the UK to work with Pama Records. Hits like "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants" helped him gain recognition beyond Jamaica and the UK, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the ska genre.

His success led to him being known as The Godfather of Ska and later as Boss Skinhead, attracting a devoted fan base not only within the West Indian community but also among mods, skinheads, and other ska enthusiasts. Aitken's music resonated not just in the UK but also in various other countries from the 1950s to the 1970s, with his records released on labels like Blue Beat, Pama, Trojan, Rio, Dr. Bird, Nu-Beat, Ska-Beat, Hot Lead, and Dice.

Some of his singles had B-sides attributed to his brother, guitarist Bobby Aitken. Additionally, Aitken experimented with talk-over/deejay tracks under the alias 'King Horror', producing songs like "Loch Ness Monster", "Dracula, Prince of Darkness", and "The Hole". Settling in Leicester with his wife in 1970, Aitken's musical output slowed down in the 1970s as he transitioned to entertaining audiences in nightclubs and restaurants, including the well-known 'Costa Brava Restaurant' in Leicester, using his real name Lorenzo.

In 1980, Aitken experienced another breakthrough in the UK music scene as ska gained popularity once again following the 2 Tone movement. His track "Rudi Got Married" reached number 60 on the UK Singles Chart, marking his only success in the country. The song was released under I-Spy Records, a label established and managed by Secret Affair.

Aitken's versatile career spanned various genres including mento/calypso, R&B, ska, rock steady, and reggae. In the 1990s, he even ventured into dancehall music, showcasing his diverse talents.

Until his passing in 2005 due to a heart attack, Aitken continued to perform occasional concerts throughout his life.

In recognition of his contributions, a blue plaque was erected at his Leicester residence in 2007 after a dedicated campaign. Notably, punk band Rancid paid tribute to Aitken by covering his song "Everybody Suffering" on their 2014 album, Honour Is All We Know.