|
 If you know reggae music, you know Clinton "Basie" Fearon. For over 18 years Fearonwas singer and bass player with the internationally renowned group The Gladiators.
Fearon's first two releases with the group were (singles) "Freedom Train" and"Rockaman Soul" on Lloyd Daley's Matador label, both of which reached the Top 10 onthe Jamaican charts. Jamaica's top producer, Coxsone Dodd of Studio One, produced"The Gladiators" a full length album featuring Fearon as songwriter and vocalist onseveral songs including Step Right Back. In 1974 The Gladiators went to Joe Gibbs'studio to record "Proverbial Reggae"; Fearon wrote many of the songs on this albumand the producer Prince Tony Robinson insisted that Fearon sing the lead vocalsincluding "Can You Imagine How I Feel," "Stop Before You Go," and "Marvel Not." In addition to his demanding recording schedule with The Gladiators, Fearon was also ahouse musician for Lee "Scratch" Perry's Black Ark Studio. Fearon recorded on many ofPerry's best known songs, including "Roast Fish and Cornbread," which features one ofFearon's most famous bass lines.
|
Clinton Fearon
When Fearon relocated to Seattle in 1989 he co-founded The Defenders. He wrote thelyrics and sang lead vocals on The Defenders' EP "Chant Down Babylon/Rock YourBones." In 1990 Fearon released his first compilation of original tunes "Feel The Spirit,"and the first pressing sold out in less than one month. In 1993 Fearon formed his own group, Boogie Brown Band. The debut album was acollection of 13 original songs entitled "Disturb the Devil." A second CD, "MysticWhisper" was released in early 1997. Fearon and Boogie Brown Band released theirthird album, a double CD entitled "What a System" in June of 1999 on the Kool Yu Footlabel. Mixed by renowned JA engineer, Scientist, "What A System" has receivedinternational critical acclaim and has secured and maintained Top Charting positionssince then. Clinton Fearon is counted among Jamaica's most talented musicians by peers andprofessionals in the Reggae music industry. His infectious bass riffs have always led theway, whether he is playing bass, guitar or percussion, singing lead vocals or providingbackground harmonies.
Artist Biography courtesy of Entertainment Works