My friend Randy Fagan called to remind me that tomorrow, the first of February is supposed to be a special day. It's Dennis Brown's birthday. Did you remember? Maybe you didn't even know.

Yes, when February comes around, our memory of the late Dennis Brown is usually eclipsed by our memory of his more famous colleague, the late Robert Nesta Marley, because both men were born in the same month. This is understandable, but unfortunate because Dennis Brown is also unquestionably Reggae Royalty; and his work should be specially remembered too. The people at the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA), have done a lot and should be commended, but more can still be done to celebrate D. Brown. The nation as a whole and the music industry especially, should create more space and time to recognise the man's contribution and commemorate his achievements. Don't get me wrong, there is no denying the stature of Bob Marley. No one can challenge Bob's contribution to the international popularisation of our culture. But we should not forget that many other artistes also made sterling contribution. And Dennis Brown is one of them.

He was a singer's singer. I remember a time when almost every young singer whether deliberately or sub-consciously, would be trying to sound like Dennis Brown. And his influence can still be heard today. Richie Stephens, George Nooks, Anthony Johnson, Luciano, Frankie Paul, Bushman and Natty King are only some of the excellent Jamaican singers whose vocal delivery is in my opinion, either heavily influenced by, or very reminiscent of the style and sound of Dennis Brown.

Phenomenally talented

A former child prodigy, Dennis was a star from the tender age of 12. Between the time of his first hit 'No man is an Island' in 1969, to his untimely demise in 2001, Dennis produced an enormous catalogue of albums and singles, and earned the undisputed title of 'Crown Prince of Reggae'. This title is particularly special given the fact that the King himself Mr. Marley declared D. Brown as his favourite singer. Brethren and long time associates like Winston 'Niney' Holness and Ossie Hibbert, will attest to the fact that both Marley and Brown in the early days were always seen as royalty even before they became big superstars, as they both had a charisma, which made them stand out among their phenomenally talented contemporaries. My limited personal research suggested that he made about 50 albums, but my friend Randy is a walking talking encyclopaedia of Jamaican music and a big D. Brown fan; and Randy insists that the number is actually over a hundred. In fact, he tells me that the only Jamaican singer who has made more albums than Mr. Brown is the 'cool ruler' Gregory Isaacs.

Apart from the countless original hits to his credit, Mr. Brown's unique style when doing cover versions basically made every song his own as he put his trademark slurs and applied his delightful vocal gymnastics all over those songs. Yes his personal issues were well known but those issues never affected the career of say a Keith Richards, so we shouldn't dwell on those issues. Instead, let us remember that he was a prolific performer, had incomparable talent, and was a kind, humble and gentle person. He also had an abundance of that good old thing that we Jamaicans call 'mannas'.

This February, let's play more of his music so Dennis Emanuel Brown, Crown Prince of Reggae can live on, and sing on!

box-mi-back@hotmail.com

NB.

Last week's box gave all the acclaim for Comedy Buss and Siwiya Entertainment to Christopher Daley; my bad! Chris didn't do it alone. Much credit is due to Chris' business partner Coleen Lewis, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen. I apologise sincerely Coleen. Don't sue me, please!