Clinton Fearon

New Releases Interviews Festivals

Reggae Movement newsletter

Clinton Fearon

If you know reggae music, you know Clinton “Basie” Fearon. For over 18 years Fearon was a singer and bass player for the internationally renowned group, The Gladiators - but his talents as a musician do not stop there: Fearon is a top-notch song writer as well as an adept player and percussionist.

Clinton Fearon began his extensive musical journey in the early 70’s as a vocalist and the bass player for 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 on the Jamaican charts. Jamaica’s top producer, Coxsonne Dodd of Studio One, produced “The Gladiators,” a full-length album featuring Fearon as song writer and vocalist on several 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 album and the producer, Prince Tony Robinson, insisted that Fearon sing the lead vocals (including Can You Imagine How I Feel, Stop Before You Go, Marvel Not).

In addition to his demanding recording schedule with The Gladiators (including backing many Jamaican artists who recorded at Studio One when the group was this studio’s “house band”), Fearon was also a “house musician” for Lee “Scratch” Perry’s illustrious Black Ark Studio. Fearon recorded many of Perry’s best known songs, including Roast Fish and Cornbread which features one of Fearon’s most famous bass lines. Fearon also toured with The Gladiators, performing for huge crowds in Africa, Europe, North America and at Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash.

A few of the other hit songs to Fearon’s credit include Chatty Chatty Mouth on “Vital Selection;” On The Other Side and Down Town Rebel from Studio One’s “Presenting the Gladiators” album; Get Ready, Let Jah Be Praised, Backyard Meditation and Merrily on “Naturality” and “Sweet So Till “ albums. (See Fearon’s discography.)

When Fearon relocated to Seattle, WA, he co-founded The Defenders. Fearon wrote the lyrics and sang lead vocals on The Defenders’ EP, “Chant Down Babylon/Rock Your Bones;” the effort reached #14 on The Reggae Route Top 20 (CMJ New Music Report, April 21, 1989) and other radio and magazine charts around the country. In 1990, Fearon released his first compilation of original tunes, “Feel the Spirit,” and the first pressing sold out in less than a month! “Feel the Spirit,” although playful and danceable, showcases Fearon’s ever-present sense of reality, and his personal spiritual awareness is evident in the album’s positive messages.

In 1993, Fearon formed his own group, Boogie Brown Band. Their debut album was a collection of 13 songs written and produced by Fearon; entitled “Disturb the Devil” (Boogie Brown Productions, 1994), it quickly received critical acclaim around the globe. A second CD, “Mystic Whisper,” was released in early 1997 (Peacemakers Records); “Mystic Whisper” was immediately voted Number One Release by Reggae Vibes/CRM Radio 102.7FM (in cooperation with RUNNetherlands) and selected #2 Independent U.S. Release by the prestigious international music magazine, Reggae Report. Pure “roots”” reggae, “Mystic Whisper” again proved Fearon’s versatility as he delivered a variety of themes - with a solid punch! - in the sweet style that has become Fearon’s signature.

Fearon and Boogie Brown Band have recently completed recording their third album, “What A System;” mixed by renowned JA engineer, Scientist, “What A System” is scheduled for release in the late Spring on the Kool Yu Foot label. And, a prolific song writer, Fearon says, “I never stop writing new songs! I could give you ten albums without having to write anything new...”

Clinton Fearon is counted among Jamaica’s most talented musicians by peers and professionals in the Reggae music industry. His infectious bass riffs led the way, however; whether playing bass or guitar or percussion, singing lead vocals or providing background harmonies, Fearon earned his reputation as the “backbone” of The Gladiators. What “Basie” has already accomplished - and what he continues to create - is so significant that, unlike many band members who are a part of a famous group, Clinton Fearon’s renown has been, is, and continues...

REGGAEmovement.com SKAmovement.com BLUESmovement.com MovementPresents.com