In this interview, Phil Vassell, Executive Director and Co-founder of Canada Black Music Archives sits down with Leroy Sibbles. Sibbles discusses his significant yet underrated contributions to reggae music, emphasizing his role in crafting iconic bass lines for hit songs and his influence at Studio One.

He reflects on his move to Toronto in the 1970s and his involvement in nurturing the local reggae scene. Sibbles highlights notable collaborations, including his work with Bruce Cockburn and Dennis Brown, and elaborates on his legacy, the importance of bass lines in reggae, and his past as the lead singer of The Heptones. As he prepares for his upcoming coronation as the “King of Baseline,” he underscores the necessity of recognizing musicians for their impactful contributions to the genre, acknowledging the global significance of his work.

Episode Resources:

Canada Black Music Archives. https://thecbma.com/

Stay Connected:

If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can follow, rate, and share it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.

To learn more about my work, visit our website at https://thecbma.com.

You can connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram or by email at info@thecbma.com.

In this interview, Phil Vassell, Executive Director and Co-founder of Canada Black Music Archives sits down with Norman Otis Richmond. Richmond reflects on his extensive career as a writer and journalist beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he focused on topics such as prison issues and the Black Power movement, earning significant recognition within the Black community, including the Toronto Arts award. The conversation provides a rich account of his journey and insight into the intertwined nature of music and political activism.

Richmond discusses his work with various publications, including Soul magazine and Black Radio Exclusive, highlighting interviews with notable artists like Johnny Mathis and Little Richard, as well as his advocacy for a cultural boycott against South Africa. He shares his favourite musical influences, personal experiences in the industry, and thoughts on the evolution of the music landscape influenced by technology and political contexts, particularly the political undercurrents during the 1960s and 1970s.

Episode Resources:

Canada Black Music Archives. https://thecbma.com/

Stay Connected:

If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can follow, rate, and share it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.

To learn more about my work, visit our website at https://thecbma.com.

You can connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram or by email at info@thecbma.com.

In this interview, Phil Vassell, Executive Director and Co-founder of Canada Black Music Archives sits down with Jay Douglas. He reflects on his artistic journey, beginning with his formative years in Montego Bay, where talent shows sparked his passion for music influenced by American radio.

After migrating to Canada in the 1960s, Douglas joined the Cougars band and faced a challenging music scene but found success performing for more receptive audiences in Quebec. Throughout his career, Douglas has received multiple Juno nominations and prestigious awards, emphasizing the essential role of love and respect in music. He discusses notable collaborations with prominent producers and shares insights into his famous reggae rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ alongside Fab Five.

Additionally, his legacy is highlighted through an upcoming documentary that showcases his roots and commitment to giving back to the community, notably with a project to renovate a school playground in Jamaica.

Episode Resources:

Canada Black Music Archives. https://thecbma.com/

Stay Connected:

If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can follow, rate, and share it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.

To learn more about my work, visit our website at https://thecbma.com.

You can connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ or by email at info@thecbma.com.