Published on 01.05.2012 19:20
Biography
Isiah Mentor was born in Rae Town, Kingston, Jamaica. He was surrounded by music 24-7 as his great Aunt, Miss Lore was a political vocalist and every household had a sound system with music to sing. Isiah started to sing at school, Tivoli Garden High School in Kingston. In surrounding communities and amongst his friends, the news of his talent spread fast.
When the Ministry of Health held a concert for the sick in Spanish Town, Isiah was one of the first names on the line up. He soon became the most recognized new Artist in Spanish Town. Promoters and night club owners had him performing on weekends. He performed with artists such as Anthony Redrose, Wicka Man, Papa San, Major Worries, Dirts Man to name a few.
Isiah relocated to St. Catherine, Jamaica where his career took off like a rocket. He quickly became the top vocalist in dancehall and landed the job as Sound System vocalist on the Sound that substituted for U Roy’s Stur Gav. He also sang for the area number 1 Sound called Runner Tone. It was when he was singing on a sound called Count Bassie Intl in Old Harbour when he met King Tubby and the studio engineer, “Professor” who were impressed with his performance. He was then invited to become a member of the Fire House Crew at the studio in Water House, Kingston.
At King Tubby's, Isiah recorded dub plate specials for sound systems worldwide. Sound Systems like Coxon, Saxon, Arrows, Stereo Malt, Wadat, Stur Gav, Unity and more. King Tubby was and still is the most respected Producer in Jamaica. Most top Reggae Artists recorded for him and Isiah got the chance to meet and work with them.
Isiah's childhood dream came true when he met the artists who had inspired him. Black Uhuru, Ini Kamozi, Burning Spear, Barrington Levy, The Wailers, Edi Fitzroy and Dennis Brown. Their influence on him can be heard in Isiah's own singing style. They were his teachers in his musical school.
Isiah got his first show overseas in New York with Johnny Osborne, Lt Stitchie and Little John all produced by Clinton Lynsey. He got more shows and travelled back and forth from America and England. While performing in the US, he ran into Professor. Together with Philip Smart from H.C and F they produced the single “Big Ina Bed” that went to #2 on the New York and British Reggae charts.
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